Description:
Position Information:The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is seeking experienced and passionate attorneys to join their team!
The Positions
The Deputy District Attorney II position is a senior member of the Misdemeanor Team who is responsible for handling felony case work. They will review police reports to determine whether the District Attorney's Office should file criminal charges, will prosecute criminal cases from initial arraignment through completion, including jury trials, and will be responsible for a high volume of cases and must actively engage with other attorneys.
This position will also be expected to routinely make independent decisions while exercising sound discretion. Due to the high volume of work, an attorney in this position cannot possibly consult with others before making every decision. However, the attorney in this position should consult with colleagues to ensure that all attorneys are consistently achieving uniform and just outcomes. For more serious cases involving vulnerable victims, this position is expected to consult with a Chief Deputy District Attorney.
The Ideal Candidates
In addition to holding a Juris Doctorate degree and being admitted to the California Bar, the ideal candidates will also possess experience that demonstrates an interest in practicing criminal prosecution. They will have one or more years of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney, introductory experience with conducting jury trials, a solid understanding of the basic precepts of criminal law and procedure, a sound concept of legal research and writing, and the ability to independently handle daily court calendars. They will be selflessly committed to handling challenging work for the betterment of the community and be dedicated to ensuring equal justice and equal access to the criminal justice system for all citizens of Sonoma County regardless of race, gender, sexual identity, ethnic origin, or nationality. The ideal candidate will also possess many of the following:
- Experience in trial advocacy or other aspects of California criminal law as well as experience litigating jury trials and evidentiary hearings
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in a public setting
- Effective negotiation skills when interacting with opposing attorneys
- Experience using an electronic case management system
- The ability to empathetically communicate with victims of crimes and other members of the public
- A team player mindset to actively engage with all members of the office
- The ability to thrive in a high demand, difficult decision-making environment
- Prior attendance at trainings presented by the California District Attorneys Association is desirable
Please note: A current, active member of the State Bar of California is required by date of hire, please see Questions 4 and 5.
The District Attorney's Office (https://da.sonomacounty.ca.gov/)
Under the leadership of the District Attorney, Carla Rodriguez, the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is the largest legal office in the County and has a staff of 138 employees including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and clerical support. Our mission is to pursue justice for the people of Sonoma County through innovative prosecution, strategic legislative advocacy, and strong community partnerships, holding those who harm our community accountable while delivering victim-centered justice with integrity and professionalism. With a population in excess of 475,000, the office handles a wide variety of serious and complex criminal cases, as well as civil consumer protection and environmental crimes. Our core values are:
- Integrity – We uphold the highest ethical standards and do what's right, even when it's difficult
- Courage – We have the determination to fearlessly pursue justice, advocating relentlessly for victims and holding offenders accountable regardless of challenges or opposition.
- Results Focused – We pursue creative, evidence-based solutions that address harm, enhance public safety, and deliver meaningful justice for victims and our community.
- Professionalism – We conduct ourselves with competency, respect, and accountability while maintaining the highest standards of legal practice and public service.
- Victim Centered – We treat every victim with dignity, respect, and compassion while ensuring their voice is heard and their healing is supported throughout the justice process.
What we offer:
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework- A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement- A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Career Advancement -With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Deputy District Attorney III ($175,338 - $213,115/annually)
- Paid Time Off- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness- Annual benefit allowances of up to $1,250 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Annual Professional Development Benefit - $452
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave- May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
- Student Loan Debt Relief– County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: Legal experience subsequent to membership in the State Bar of California, which directly relates to the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, one year of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney in a position comparable to Deputy District Attorney I in Sonoma County; or equivalent experience with another prosecuting agency, would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.
Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The positions advertised on this announcement do not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of: the duties, powers limitations, and authorities of the Office of the District Attorney; the principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure, and rules of evidence; legal research methods and judicial procedures; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Ability to: research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems; prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form; establish and maintain effective working r