Deputy District Attorney IV

County of Orange; California; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public office is seeking a Deputy District Attorney IV to handle complex felony cases in a dynamic legal environment. Ideal candidates will possess extensive trial experience and the ability to effectively represent the county in serious legal matters. The position requires in-person attendance and the ability to handle comprehensive legal responsibilities effectively.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement reciprocity

Qualifications

• Extensive felony trial experience (15+ trials).
• Experience in substantive and procedural criminal law.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and litigate complex felony cases.
• Work with law enforcement and public on criminal legal matters.
• Conduct legal research and present arguments effectively.

Skills

Oral advocacy skills

Legal research

Trial analysis

Education

Active membership in the State Bar of California

Job description

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY IV

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 27, 2025 – 4.00% increase

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Regular, Limited-Term and Extra-Help Deputy District Attorney IV positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Online applications will be accepted for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 P.M. PST on the day the County's needs are met.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

TheOrange County District Attorney (OCDA)represents the People of the State of California in criminal and civil proceedings, serves the court and criminal justice system, and the Orange County Grand Jury.The mission of the Office of the Orange County District Attorney is to enhance public safety and welfare and to protect and respect crime victims and to create security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner.The Office consists of three major divisions: Legal, Investigative Bureau, and Administration.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES

The County of Orange provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package as part of the employee total compensation.

Click here to find out more about employee benefits.

Retirement Reciprocity

Current employed members ofacceptedreciprocalsystemswho were in those retirement systems prior to January 1, 2013, and who have not retired from those systems, may be eligible for previous OCERS formula of 2.7% at age 55.

For more information, please call [phone] or visit www.ocers.org

THE OPPORTUNITY

TheOrange County District Attorney (OCDA) is seeking aDeputy District Attorney IV to prepare and litigate complex and serious cases (primarily felonies) before the Superior and Appellate Courts. The assignment may be in our Felony units throughout the office or at any of our various locations or units based on the Department's needs. This is an in-person assignment, and the duties cannot be performed remotely/virtually.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

In addition to minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess experience with at least fifteen (15) or more felony trials. The ideal candidate will also possess:

• Thorough knowledge of substantive and procedural criminal law
• Over three years of experience as an attorney in the practice of criminal law
• Significant felony trial experience
• Excellent oral advocacy skills including the ability to concisely, effectively communicate arguments.
• The ability to analyze, organize, file, evaluate, and try complex and serious cases
• The ability to perform complex and difficult legal research and effectively present and argue the prosecution's position orally and in writing
• The ability to work effectively with District Attorney staff, members of the bench and bar, law enforcement personnel and members of the public

LICENSE REQUIRED

• Active membership in the State Bar of California

or

• Members in good standing of California State Bar and have been assigned a license number, but have inactive membership status are also welcome to apply. An active California State Bar membership and eligibility to practice law in the State of California must be attained by date of appointment and maintained throughout employment.

and

• Possession of a California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation to carry out the essential functions of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Clickhereto learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Deputy Attorney IV classificationas well as the physicalandmental requirements, and environmental conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
District Attorney Human Resources screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After the initial screening, candidates who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. The recruitment process will consist of the following assessments, which will require a few months to complete.

Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by an oral interview panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicant's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Based on the Department's needs, the recruitment process listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the recruitment process.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, District Attorney Human Resources will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE POLICY (VEPP):
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please clickhere(Download PDF reader)to review the policy.

BACKGROUND SCREENING:
Candidates under consideration for hire by the District Attorney will be required to pass an extensive investigation to the satisfaction of the department.

Note: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of theNational Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Emailis the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

For detailed information on how to apply,click here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Clickhere for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contactUrsula Gonzalezat [phone] or [e-mail].

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.