Description:

Position Information:
The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is seeking experienced and passionate attorneys to join their team!

Starting salary up to $102.11/hourly ($213,115/annually) and a competitive total compensation package!*

The District Attorney's Office is currently recruiting to fill two Deputy District Attorney positions at either the Deputy District Attorney I, II, III, or IV levels depending on qualifications. If you are interested in being considered at the different levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels.

The Positions
As a Deputy District Attorney III (DDA III), you will be responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor cases and a wide variety of felony cases, including conducting preliminary hearings for both misdemeanor and felony jury trials. The DDA III reviews misdemeanor and felony matters for filing, prosecutes misdemeanor and felony cases in court, and handles all manner of courtroom calendars including arraignments, bail hearings, law and motion, and felony sentencing. A DDA III manages a heavy caseload which may consist of misdemeanors, felonies, or some combination. This attorney is expected to exercise sound independent judgement in managing, resolving, and trying cases.

The DDA III position does not supervise other prosecutors or staff members, but may provide guidance or advice to less experienced prosecutors as needed. This position reports directly to a Chief Deputy, but may also receive guidance from the Assistant District Attorney or the District Attorney. This position often operates as part of a prosecution team, and must be comfortable and collegial when collaborating with and assisting fellow prosecutors.

The Ideal Candidates
In addition to holding a Juris Doctorate degree and membership in the California State Bar, the ideal candidates will have two or more years of experience as a licensed attorney with significant trial experience, including prior felony jury trial experience. 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 candidates will also possess many of the following:

Demonstrated experience with filing misdemeanor and felony cases, misdemeanor and felony calendar management, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanor and felony trials
Significant knowledge of and experience with California criminal law and procedure, including recently enacted statutes and case law
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, law enforcement officers, defense attorneys, judges and court staff, and all members of the public
A strong interest in criminal justice and a desire to assist crime victims and strive to provide the community with a safe place to live by holding the guilty accountable, protecting the innocent, and preserving the dignity of victims and their families
The ability to thrive working in a fast-paced environment with short timelines
Prior attendance at California District Attorneys Association or National District Attorneys Association seminars in Trial Practice, Felony Sentencing, and other areas relating to criminal prosecution is highly desired

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
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 IV ($196,502 - $238,850/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
The District Attorney's Office is currently recruiting to fill two Deputy District Attorney positions at either the I, II, III, or IV levels. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Sonoma County Prosecutors' Association Memorandum of Understanding, (SCPA MOU) and our Employee Benefits directory.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: Legal experience subsequent to membership in the State Bar of California, which directly related to the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including one year of experience comparable to the level of Deputy District Attorney II in Sonoma County; or two years of legal experience as a licensed attorney with related experience to specialty assignments such as Environmental and Consumer Law or Juvenile Law; 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.

Special Qualifications: A statement from the District Attorney indicating successful completion of a felony training assignment will qualify incumbents to prosecute felony cases.

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:
Considerable knowledge of: the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of t