Closing Date: 13th February, 2026

Description:

Introduction:
This recruitment is being given to fill multiple vacancies in the District Attorney's Office and to establish an eligible list which may be used to fill future vacancies. The first certification may be department promotional and subject to Civil Service Rule 10, Section 3.

Deputy District Attorney Vs provide the most complex and specialized legal casework in the Office. They serve as the lead attorney of high-profile criminal cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, cold cases, major fraud, drug offenses, and gang-related crimes. The caseload requires a strong emphasis on courtroom litigation.

Pre-Employment Drug Screening and Background: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and a background investigation as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has passed the drug screen and successfully completed the background process. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Please be advised that Human Resources will only be accepting online applications for this recruitment. Resumes and paper applications will not be accepted in lieu of an online application. A completed application must be received online by the final filing deadline.

Note: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Typical Duties:

Serves as lead attorney of high-profile criminal cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, cold cases, major fraud, drug offenses, and gang-related crimes, managing a demanding caseload with a strong emphasis on courtroom litigation.
Develops legal strategies and manages all phases of criminal litigation, including pretrial motions, witness preparation, jury selection, courtroom arguments, and post-trial motions.
Conducts advanced legal research, analyzes and interprets existing laws and ordinances, court decisions, pending legislation, and other legal authorities; assists in drafting legislation for special County and State projects.
Provides leadership in the design, coordination, and evaluation of specialized legal initiatives and high-stakes litigation, including capital cases; mentors attorneys and legal staff by offering guidance on complex legal concepts, strategic litigation planning, and procedural practices to enhance professional development and case outcomes.
Evaluates complex criminal and civil matters to determine the appropriateness of filing charges; authorizes or declines the issuance of formal complaints based on legal sufficiency; provides legal guidance to law enforcement on evidentiary standards and investigative issues prior to charging decisions; interviews complainants and witnesses to assess case viability and offers legal guidance on the preparation and legal sufficiency of search and arrest warrants.
Prepares and reviews briefs, memoranda, opinions, and civil and criminal pleadings.
Engages in collaborative discussions with defense counsel, probation officers, judicial personnel, and law enforcement representatives to negotiate plea agreements, consider charge modifications, and review evidentiary matters; facilitates effective communication among parties to ensure fair and efficient administration of legal proceedings.
Advises the general public, State and local departments, and law enforcement officers on civil and criminal issues and proceedings; advises and directs law enforcement agencies on questions of law in criminal investigation matters.
Assists in the development of departmental policies and implements approved policies within the unit.
Assists law enforcement agencies by responding to and conducting initial investigations as requested.
May supervise attorneys within specialized units, such as homicide, sexual assault, cold cases, major fraud, and drug offenses; assigns and monitors cases to ensure effective resource allocation, adherence to legal standards, and evaluates staff performance.

Minimum Qualifications:
Active Membership in the California State Bar.

Experience: Eight years as a practicing criminal law attorney in California to include at least four years as a Deputy District Attorney IV in San Joaquin County with substantial expertise in handling high-profile, complex cases and extensive trial litigation experience.

Knowledge:
Advanced principles of criminal and civil law, including their application in specialized areas of prosecution. Complex trial litigation techniques such as jury selection, direct and cross-examination, and persuasive legal argumentation. Applicable state and local laws, ordinances, case law, and regulatory frameworks. Legal research methodologies and procedural rules governing criminal and/or civil litigation. Law enforcement protocols, investigative methods, and evidentiary standards for complex and high-profile prosecutions. Supervisory practices and principles relevant to legal team management.

Ability:
Independently handle the most complex and demanding legal cases, including high-profile criminal or civil matters; conduct thorough legal research and draft well-reasoned legal documents, motions, and opinions; present compelling legal arguments in court, demonstrating advanced trial advocacy skills; analyze intricate legal issues, identify potential challenges, and develop effective case strategies; supervise and coordinate the work of a staff engaged in the defense of criminal and/or civil cases; manage high-volume caseloads efficiently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail; work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders; communicate and cooperate with fellow staff members, agency representatives, judicial officers and the general public; and exercise independent judgment, discretion and initiative, especially in the charging and plea bargaining of criminal violations aid in the application of limited law enforcement resources and in the decision to seek capital punishment.

Physical/Mental Requirements:
Mobility - Frequent operation of computers; repetitive motion; sitting for extended periods; walking; occasional driving may be required; Lifting - frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Vision - constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity - normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological -frequent decision making, concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to grief; Special Requirements-some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.