Senior Deputy District Attorney

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If interested in applying, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingscounty/jobs/4245347/senior-deputy-district-attorney

The County of Kings is seeking dedicated and experienced attorneys with high ethical standards and professionalism to join the team at the District Attorney's Office. The successful candidates will perform difficult and complex legal work involving the preparation, presentation and prosecution of criminal or civil cases in court before a jury; may directly supervise other attorneys and/or legal staff; and perform related duties as required. There are three immediate full-time vacancy in the District Attorney's Office. Future vacancies for this position may be filled from the eligible list to be established. The expected life of the eligible list is six months. 

BENEFITS PACKAGE

This position includes CalPERS retirement (see benefits section to determine plan/tier placement); a deferred compensation plan; excellent PPO health, dental, vision, and chiropractic health insurance premiums for employee and eligible dependents; onsite health center for employees and eligible dependents on County health insurance; term life/accidental insurance; in addition to standard sick leave, vacation accruals, and holidays this position receives an additional 80 hours of professional vacation which can be cashed out each fiscal year. To learn more about our benefits click HERE.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS 
This senior level classification in the Deputy District Attorney series receives the most complex assignments, difficult litigation, serves as a lead attorney, and is recognized as an expert in many areas of office procedures and legal practices. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.  

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Provides lead direction, training, and work review to assigned District Attorneys and support staff; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities, and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work, assists in the evaluation, development and implementation of work procedures and methods.  
• Performs legal activities involving the investigation and prosecution of complex, high profile, and highly sensitive criminal or civil cases with minimal supervision; prepares and presents cases in court. 
• Performs complex trial work, including jury selection, examination and cross-examination, and argument of the prosecution case. 
• Evaluates incoming law enforcement reports involving juvenile and adult offenders; review reports and files cases and handles all aspects of prosecution from arraignment to sentencing. 
• Reviews, analyzes, and researches allegations; makes determination on the appropriate charge following receipt of the agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings. 
• Interviews witnesses and victims; reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, and other material 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, upcoming legislation, and legal authorities; assists and advises district attorney investigators and law enforcement agencies regarding investigations in progress. 
• Negotiates with defense counsel at pre-trial hearings regarding case disposition or modification. 
• Prepares for court calendar and appears in court for trials, hearings, and pleadings. 
• Makes recommendations regarding sentencing and presents the position at sentencing and revocation hearings. 
• Researches law and precedents to obtain legal authority needed to prosecute pending cases.  
• Performs appellate research and drafts appellate briefs, pleadings, bail recommendations, motions, and other legal documents; appears in the designated court of appeal. 
• Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court staff 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. 
• Communicates with Victim Witness to notify victims and witnesses to advise on the status of the case; obtain information and schedule meetings or court appearances. 
• Serves as a liaison between the DA’s office and various organizations and state and federal agencies; services on committees, task forces, and other groups.
• Assign and review work of lower-level Deputy District Attorneys and support staff. 
• May represent the District Attorney’s Office at Grand Jury proceedings and trials.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS **Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date**

Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application. It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but it is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment. When completing the work history portion of your application please include each level position title and level as a separate entry when applicable (e.g., If you were a Deputy District Attorney I and promoted to Deputy District Attorney II, each level should be entered separately to reflect the time held at each level). 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law. 

Experience:

• Five (5) years of professional legal experience in the field of criminal law; preferably in a county government setting.  

For a detailed job description, please click HERE.

SELECTION PROCESS: **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.
 

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Veteran's Preference Application
You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.

Effective October 17, 2023, the Senior Deputy District Attorney position was added to the Prosecutor's Association. Accordingly, the Senior Deputy District Attorneys will receive the same retention bonus offered to the Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IVs up to $5,000 per year. (Bonus will be prorated based on date of hire). Retention bonus will conclude on December 21, 2025. Please click here for more information (see Side Letter dated August 21, 2023 - page 25 & 26).

Company info

County of Kings