Post Bar Fellowship (District Attorney's Office)

Description:

The County of Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office is seeking Post Bar Fellows to contribute to meaningful work that supports justice in our community.

This position is for recent law school graduates who have taken the California State Bar Exam and are awaiting Bar results. Post Bar Fellowship positions generally run during two cohorts: the first from March through mid-May (for those who take the Bar in February), and again from August through mid-November (for those who take the Bar in July). Work locations are assigned by the District Attorney and subject to change based on workload demands.

This position is classified as Extra-Help Appointment (Civil Service Rule 905) and is defined as a special appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position(s) established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are exempt from the Provisions of the Civil Service Rules.

On the employment application, please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future Extra-Help vacancies. If you meet the Employment Standards for this position, you will be placed on the employment list for consideration.

Benefits will be offered once EXH employees reach Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility.

Definition: Under direct supervision of a Deputy District Attorney, the incumbent will perform a variety of work on criminal cases including but not limited to, drafting motions, assisting with and observing court hearings, and assisting with trial preparations, and prosecutions.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Post Bar Fellowship Extra-Help Special is the entry level class of Deputy District Attorney I. Incumbents receive orientation and training. Post Bar Law Fellows must abide by all applicable State Bar of California rules and guidelines, including certification with the State Bar.

About the Department: The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office is to pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime. The District Attorney has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. The Office embodies a team approach to fighting crime, wherein Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Witness staff, and support staff work closely together at all stages of a case.

The Office is also dedicated to ongoing training and skill development, as well as fostering the development of new technologies to fight crime and achieve justice. Specialized prosecution units exist for areas of great concern to the County including gangs, vulnerable victims, and white-collar crime. In addition, specialty courts such as DUI Court, Drug Court, Mental Health Treatment Court, Restorative Justice Court, and Veterans' Treatment Court allow for collaboration between Deputy District Attorneys and other Court staff in an effort to improve the success rate of rehabilitation for criminal defendants in addition to reducing crime.

To learn more about the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, please visit: http://www.countyofsb.org/da/index.html

Examples of Duties:
Under direct supervision and with assistance from a Deputy District Attorney:

• Interviews and advises victims and witnesses regarding prospective criminal or civil actions; studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in prosecuting cases;
• Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, and judgments;
• Assists with the prosecution of a variety of cases, including misdemeanor cases, and presentation of preliminary hearings;
• Performs related work such as preparing complaints, legal briefs, reports, and correspondence;
• Actively seeks continuing legal education and training, which may include reading, research, observing and seeking counsel from Deputy District Attorneys, and attending trainings.

Employment Standards:
Applicants must have taken the California State Bar exam in either February or July, and must currently be awaiting their results. Applicants must be eligible for certification by the California State Bar.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required.

Knowledge of: The principles of criminal and civil law and their applications; legal research methods; rules of evidence; organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions, civil and criminal codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law.

Ability to: Perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents in legal problems; present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and forcefully, both in written and oral form; work effectively with others.

Supplemental Information:
Application & Selection Process:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list.

Reasonable Accommodations: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Deadline: Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

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