Deputy District Attorney III

COUNTY OF MENDOCINO; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% coastal assignment premium

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

County of Mendocino seeks a Deputy District Attorney III in the Ukiah/Fort Bragg areas to prosecute criminal cases and advise staff. The role requires strong knowledge of California law, courtroom experience, and collaboration with law enforcement.

Position includes assignment premium considerations for coastal regions and opportunities to mentor less experienced attorneys, with a pathway for career development within the District Attorney's Office.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of California law and court procedures.
• Experience preparing and presenting criminal cases.
• Ability to review reports and evidence for charging decisions.
• Ability to negotiate resolutions with defense attorneys and judges.
• Experience drafting motions, briefs and legal documents.
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Interviews victims and witnesses and prepares them for court appearances.
• Reviews police and probation reports, evidence, and case files for charging decisions.
• Assists law enforcement with investigations and procedural issues.
• Negotiate case resolutions with defense and judges.
• Appear and present in court at arraignments and trials.
• Drafts and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Coordinates with investigators and staff on case strategy.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Courtroom experience

Investigation support

Research skills

Communication skills

Education

State Bar of California

Active California law license

Tools

Case management software

Legal research databases

Job description

The Position

The current vacancies are in Ukiah and Fort Bragg, CA.

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreement, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region including Fort Bragg, Mendocino, or in Point Arena, shall receive a 5% assignment premium. This premium shall also apply to employees temporarily assigned to these locations for one full pay period or a longer period of time.

Under general supervision, the Deputy District Attorney III performs a variety of professional legal work involving the preparation, filing and prosecution of criminal misdemeanor and felony cases as assigned and provides assistance to department staff.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply.

Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

• Interview victims and witnesses related to crimes; discusses cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers and other attorneys; prepare victims and witnesses for court appearance and testimony.
• Review police reports; defendant files; probation reports; witness statements; evidence; crime scenes; psychiatric, medical and forensic sciences information; and/or other sources to obtain relevant information for cases.
• Assist law enforcement agencies with investigations and issues of law.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Obtain search warrants; issue subpoenas.
• Negotiate resolutions of cases with defense attorneys and judges.
• Appear and present in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, sentencing, motions, post-conviction hearing and/or trials.
• Research, formulate, draft and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Argue motions in court and present evidence and witness testimony.
• File and/or prepare cases for presentation at jury trials; coordinate with appropriate relevant parties; prepare audiovisual displays and demonstrative evidence using current technologies.
• Conduct legal research on criminal law issues.
• Review comprehensive investigative and/or other reports and appropriate documentation to file criminal charges.
• Review, edit and sign legal documents prepared by lower level district attorneys or other staff members.
• Review current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Authorize and approves extradition proceedings; handle insanity commitment proceedings.
• Act as a representative for the District Attorney's office; work with investigators to prepare cases for court; request investigations and evaluate results; discuss and resolve problems; discuss and plan case tactics and strategy with investigators.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Provide guidance and assistance to less experienced district attorneys or others; answer legal questions and educate staff in changes in laws; review pleadings and filings of staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:
Current membership with the State Bar of California and two (2) years experience as a practicing attorney at a level equivalent to that of the Deputy District Attorney II; or any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses And Certifications

Licensed to practice law in the State of California

Valid Drivers License

Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles, procedures and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill In

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Mental And Physical Ability To

• Analyze situations effectively, interpret and apply laws and regulations and recommend effective courses of action.
• Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Write reports, motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Prepare and present cases in court; negotiate settlements.
• Train and mentor less experienced attorneys.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

SALARY

Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT

Covered Under Social Security And The 1937 Act; Both Employees And The County Pay Into The Retirement Fund. For The Most Current Information Regarding County Retirement Please Go To https://www.mendocinocounty.org/