DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY II - EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT

County of Los Angeles; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is seeking experienced attorneys to fill emergency Deputy District Attorney II vacancies created to respond to a major natural disaster. Under the emergency order, initial appointments may be up to 90 days, with a path to permanent County employment based on performance.

Two years of criminal trial experience in a public agency is required, along with admission to the California State Bar and a valid California driver license.

Qualifications

• Two years of criminal trial experience as a full time trial attorney in a public agency.
• Must be admitted to the California State Bar Association to practice law in California.
• Copy of active California State Bar Card (CSBC) showing current year.
• Valid California Class C Driver License or ability to obtain/use alternative transportation.
• Background investigation including Live Scan will be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and prosecutes the more complex misdemeanor cases taken to trial.
• Prepares and prosecutes felony cases of moderate complexity.
• Uses computer-based legal research systems in case preparation.
• Performs complex preliminary hearings.
• Reviews investigative reports and determines charge filing with supporting facts.
• Negotiates with defense attorneys regarding dispositions or modifications of charges.
• Confers with witnesses and law enforcement officers and other parties.
• Leads law clerks in preliminary hearings as needed.

Skills

Criminal trial experience

Tools

Legal research systems

Job description

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

OPEN COMPETITIVE - EMERGENCY

Exam Number: A9272I-FR

Application filing period will begin on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) and will remain open on a continuous basis. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Please note that the application window may close without prior notice once a sufficient number of qualified candidates has been received.

This announcement is being reposted to reopen the filing period until the needs of the department are met.

The LA County Board of Supervisors has unanimously ratified a Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the windstorms and wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, that have devastated communities across the County. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to assist the County in mobilizing resources and support needed to help our residents recover and rebuild. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA) is seeking experienced attorneys to fill emergency Deputy District Attorney II vacancies related to this unprecedented natural disaster.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment. Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted at 100%. Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Deputy District Attorney II.

Definition

Performs legal work of average complexity required in the prosecution of criminal cases.

Classification Standards

In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Deputy District Attorney I, positions allocable to this class are characterized by the performance of the legal tasks involved in prosecuting criminal actions including a wide variety of misdemeanor cases and moderately complex felony cases for the District Attorney. These complex cases may include challenging legal and/or factual issues and may involve numerous defendants. Assignments at this level differ from Deputy District Attorney I in that the attorneys in this class function more independently, but continue to receive supervision from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties.

Examples of Duties

• Prepares and prosecutes the more complex misdemeanor cases taken to trial.
• Prepares and prosecutes felony cases of moderate complexity in a department of the Superior Court.
• Utilizes computer based legal research systems and office technology in the preparation of cases.
• Prepares and conducts complex preliminary hearings.
• Reviews and makes decisions as to matters presented for filing consideration, which may include the following responsibilities: the careful reading of investigative reports; questioning law enforcement personnel; determining whether a crime was committed by an identified suspect, which may also involve an interpretation of statutory and/or decisional authorities; reviewing and applying available criminal histories; recommending a bail setting; and preparing a statement of facts.
• Conducts negotiations with defense attorneys regarding the disposition and/or modification of charges.
• Confers with witnesses, law enforcement officers, self‑represented defendants, defense attorneys, and other interested parties.
• Files, prepares and presents cases against minors in juvenile court.
• Advises investigators and law enforcement officers on the legal aspects of their work.
• Leads law clerks in the presentation of preliminary hearings as needed.

Selection Requirements

Training and Experience

Two years of criminal trial experience as a full time trial attorney in a public agency.

License

All Applicants must be admitted to the California State Bar Association to practice law in the State of California.

A legible copy (photocopy or PDF format) of an active California State Bar Card (CSBC). The CSBC must indicate the current year. If the watermark of the current year is not visible, your application will be rejected.

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job‑related essential functions.

Physical Class

2– Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Special Requirement Information

*All supporting documentation must be submitted along with your application or via email to [e-mail] within five (5) business days of submitting your application. Failure to submit the required documents within five (5) business days from filing your application, will disqualify you from participating in this examination. We do not accept password‑protected documents. Please ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.

You MUST meet the above requirement(s) in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment.

No withholds will be allowed for this examination. Required experience must be fully met and indicated on the application at the time of filing.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience conducting trials
• Experience conducting preliminary hearings
• Experience preparing and arguing Penal Code 1538.5 and Penal Code 995 motions
• Experience preparing appellate briefs or motions
• Criminal Trial experience in a City, County, State or Federal prosecuting agency

Qualifying Background Check

Before an appointment is made to this position, you will be required to complete and pass a thorough background investigation including a Live Scan.

• Any criminal charges or convictions
• Job related misdemeanor convictions
• Certain serious traffic convictions or patterns of traffic violations such as three (3) moving violations in one year; failure to appear; at‑fault accidents; applicant placed on a three (3) year probation
• Poor credit history
• Poor employment history
• Substance abuse
• Driving under the influence

Examination Content

Before the end of your initial work assignment, the appointing department will evaluate your performance. Those who achieve a passing score on this evaluation will be considered for permanent appointment.

Vacancy Information

This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies throughout the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Available Shift

Deputy District Attorneys are rotated through a variety of developmental assignments to prepare the attorney to handle cases of increasing difficulty; incumbents may be assigned to work in any area of Los Angeles County and on any shift (evenings, nights, and weekends).

Social Security Number

Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

Computer and Internet Access at Public Libraries

For applicants who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County. Refer to their website for more information: http://lacountylibrary.org

No Sharing of User ID and Password

All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

Anti‑Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI)

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti‑racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

Questions? Please contact us

Department Contact Name: Exams Unit
Exam Number: A9272I-FR
Department Contact Phone: [phone]
Department Contact Email: [e-mail]
ADA Coordinator Phone: [phone]
California Relay Services Phone: [phone]
Teletype Phone: [phone]