Deputy District Attorney - Senior

To perform the more difficult or complex legal work in the enforcement of criminal laws; to prepare and present complex and sensitive cases in court; and to provide assistance and lead direction to other professional staff.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Deputy District Attorney series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including preparing the most complex and sensitive cases for prosecution or providing lead direction to other attorneys; and coordinating the functions of a major work unit.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Receives general direction from assigned Supervising Deputy District Attorney. 

Exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned professional, technical and clerical staff.

• Act as lead Deputy District Attorney in a functional area such as felonies, misdemeanors, family support or a branch office and assist professional legal staff by assigning and reviewing their work.
• Upon receipt of complaints, review and examine physical and testimonial evidence; assist in the interrogation of witnesses; assist attorneys in the investigation and determination of whether or not a crime has been committed, the nature of the crime and whether or not evidence justifies prosecution of the crime; assist subordinates in making recommendations as to prosecutions.
• Conduct preliminary hearings on felony cases; confer with the judge, assigned prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney regarding charges as necessary.
• On a regular basis, try the most complex and sensitive cases in the Superior Court; prepare trial briefs; check questions of law; draft jury instructions; present opening statements; interrogate and cross-examine witnesses as needed; argue points of law; anticipate the reasoning of defense attorneys; make final arguments and summations.
• Utilize County Investigators to secure evidence as needed.
• Advise the public and local law enforcement agencies on legal procedures.
• Conduct legal research and prepare correspondence.
• Provide administrative assistance to legal supervisory and management staff.
• Help train assigned professional legal staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year as a Deputy District Attorney IV in Placer County or four years experience in the practice of civil/ criminal law within the State of California, at least three years of which must have been in a District Attorney's Office or Public Defender's Office in California.

Training: Graduation from a recognized law school, or the completion of an equivalent program certified by the California State Bar.

License or Certificate:

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Legal principles and practices with emphasis on criminal and family support law.
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence of the Penal Code of the State of California.
• Legal research methods.
• Organization and procedures of the District Attorney's Office.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.

Ability to:

• Work as a lead attorney and assist other professional staff with their assigned cases.
• On a continuous basis, analyze a case and determine the law's application; identify and interpret the applicable law or statute; observe juries and witnesses; problem solve situations that arise in cases; remember and understand case law and statutes; and explain case status to the public as required.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; and communicate through written means.
• Investigate and prosecute complex criminal, civil and family law complaints.
• Work under time constraints and exacting professional and legal standards.
• Analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems.
• Present law, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Obtain information through interview and interrogation and deal fairly and courteously with the public.
• Perform advanced legal research.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at:
http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for Professional bargaining unit