Deputy District Attorney - Senior

Introduction

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned Supervising Deputy District Attorney.

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

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

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.

Required 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, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

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.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

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 (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list 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 level) 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources 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.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Preciosa Ayala-Burkhardt, Administrative Technician, at payala@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4637.

Closing Date/Time: 11/19/2025 5:00:00 PM

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• Placer County

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