Deputy District Attorney I-IV

County of Humboldt; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in Eureka, CA seeks a Deputy District Attorney I–IV to handle cases from filing through trial, prepare briefs, and coordinate with victims and witnesses. The role involves in-depth legal work, collaboration with investigators and law enforcement, and adherence to deadlines in a team environment.

The position requires a strong knowledge of civil and criminal law, effective courtroom skills, and the ability to adapt to complex cases across multiple

Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil and criminal law and procedures.
• Proficiency in pleading and presentation of court cases.
• Understanding of judicial procedures and evidence rules.
• Strong legal research and investigation skills.
• Awareness of public official responsibilities and constitutional provisions.

Responsibilities

• Review cases and prepare for court, including filing and sentencing prep.
• Interview witnesses and victims; analyze evidence and agency reports.
• Provide guidance to law enforcement and investigators.
• Negotiate with defense counsel at pretrial hearings.
• Manage court calendars and prepare for weekly settlement conferences.

Skills

Civil law

Criminal law

Pleading

Rules of evidence

Legal research

Education

Law degree

Undergraduate degree

Job description

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I - IV

Humboldt County District Attorney's Office

The District Attorney's Office prides itself on being a positive, supportive, team-oriented environment. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment with sensitive deadlines and working collaboratively with other staff, attorneys, investigators, law enforcement agencies, and court staff. A position within the District Attorney’s Office does require the successful completion of an extensive and thorough Criminal Background Investigation.

Job Highlights

This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Review criminal cases to prepare for court.
• Prepare briefs on legal issues.
• Handle cases from filing through trial and sentencing.
• Work with others in the office to assist victims and witnesses with court proceedings.

Work Location

Humboldt County District Attorney's Office

825 5th Street, 4th Floor Eureka, CA 95501

Work Hours

A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8AM - 5PM with a 1-hour lunch.

This position is in the CAA/Teamsters bargaining unit.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature in representing the County in prosecuting criminal and civil offenders; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned cases. The work may be related to prosecuting cases in any of a number of legal specialty areas. Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels. Deputy District Attorney IV is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff. While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the prosecution of cases from pretrial through appeal stages. These classes are distinguished from Assistant District Attorney in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for major areas of County prosecution activities and may act as the District Attorney on a relief basis.

• Evaluates incoming complaints involving juvenile and adult offenders, family support issues, etc; recommends cases to prosecution, negotiate or dismiss.
• Interviews witnesses and victims of civil and criminal activities; reviews and analyzes evidence, police and other agency reports and other materials related to pending cases.
• Provides direction to law enforcement and investigative personnel related to investigation of criminal offenses; provides advice as to applicable laws, court decisions and legal authorities.
• Negotiates with defense counsel at pretrial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.
• Reviews, analyzes and researches allegations; makes determination as to appropriate charges following receipt of agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings.
• Assists and advises District Attorney investigators and law enforcement agencies regarding investigations in process.
• Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute and/or mediate pending cases; maintains current knowledge of changing case law.
• Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
• Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the prosecution case.
• Maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.
• Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.

NOTE

:The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to experience, proficiency andcomplexity of assigned cases as specified under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of

• Civil and criminal law and procedures.
• Pleading and practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
• Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.
• State and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.

Skill in

• Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
• Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
• Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
• Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting County operations.
• Representing the County effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
• Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid California driver's license.Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.

Desirable Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

• Deputy District Attorney I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university, plus an appropriate law degree.
• Deputy District Attorney II: In addition to the above, one year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution.
• Deputy District Attorney III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of three years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution.
• Deputy District Attorney IV: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of five years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution. Demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex and high penalty cases with a minimum of supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy District Attorney IV.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at 707-476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.