Deputy District Attorney II

County of Contra Costa; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is seeking a Deputy District Attorney II to join a team dedicated to justice and public safety in California. You will handle felony and misdemeanor cases, interview and advise victims, and collaborate with defense attorneys and judges in a fast-paced environment.

Applicants must hold an active California Bar license and will manage multiple cases while upholding ethics and integrity across the prosecution process.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor with active California Bar license.
• Solid understanding of criminal law and prosecutorial procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Interview and advise victims about cases and court processes.
• Conduct preliminary felony hearings, grand jury proceedings, and trials.
• File and review criminal complaints, motions, and other documents.
• Collaborate with defense attorneys and judges on plea agreements.
• Research and write legal points and authorities for court.
• Prepare pleadings and case materials for trials and hearings.

Skills

Public service commitment

Judgment/prosecutorial discretion

Ethical decision making

Self-motivation

Criminal law application

Effective communication

Legal research methods

Education

Active membership in State Bar of California

Job description

Bargaining Unit: Deputy District Attorney's Association

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is committed to seeking justice and enhancing public safety for all our residents. To achieve this, we work tirelessly to determine the best outcome for all parties in the criminal justice system by ethically and responsibly considering each case.

The District Attorney's Office is accepting applications for Deputy District Attorney II on a continuous basis to fill current and future vacancies.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Committed to public service
• Able to exercise good judgment and thoughtfully exercise prosecutorial discretion
• Able to pursue just results in an ethical and responsible manner
• Self-motivated and able to handle a large volume of cases
• Enthusiastic about principles and application of criminal law
• Able to communicate effectively with all persons
• Innovative and efficient at legal research methods

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Interviewing and advising victims about criminal cases and court processes
• Conducting preliminary felony hearings, grand jury proceedings and trying felony and misdemeanor cases
• Filing and reviewing criminal complaints, motions, and other legal documents
• Collaborating with defense attorneys and judges to discuss plea agreements
• Researching and writing legal points and authorities and presenting them in court
• Preparing pleadings, legal documents, and other case materials in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will work in a fun and dynamic environment with others who have strong values and integrity
• You will serve the community through the daily pursuit of justice
• You are passionate about working in a courtroom environment and will have the honor of representing the People of the State of California
• You will be challenged daily in a fast-paced work environment
• You will meet with diverse members of our community from all backgrounds and thoughtfully consider their perspective as you pursue each case

A few challenges you might face in this job

• You will manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• You will work as part of a team and have to ensure that your level of preparation sets others up for success
• You will need to stay current and adjust to trial and hearing procedures

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objective

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

License Required: Possession of a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state Motor Vehicle Operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.

Registration:Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience as a Deputy District Attorney I in Contra Costa County or prosecutor in a local, state, or federal organization.

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Training and Experience Evaluation:Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire at the time of filing. The responses to the training and experience questions on the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates' relevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Deputy District Attorney II classification. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.