Under direction, the Deputy District Attorney (DDA) performs professional legal work in the County of Alameda (County) District Attorney’s Office (DAO) consistent with the highest standard of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise for the intended appointment. DDAs are assigned to a broad range of responsibilities that require knowledge in the areas of legal research, criminal law and procedure, trial and hearing practices, rules of evidence, and relevant penal code, vehicle code, and other statutes. Assignments may be interchangeable at the discretion of the District Attorney, based on the DAO’s organizational needs, staffing, workload, and the complexity of cases. Employees in this classification provide prosecutorial services on behalf of the People of the State of California. Minimum qualification is an active membership in the State Bar of California and possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

All Positions are Open until Filled

Under direction, the Deputy District Attorney (DDA) performs professional legal work in the County of Alameda (County) District Attorney’s Office (DAO) consistent with the highest standard of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise for the intended appointment. DDAs are assigned to a broad range of responsibilities that require knowledge in the areas of legal research, criminal law and procedure, trial and hearing practices, rules of evidence, and relevant penal code, vehicle code, and other statutes. Assignments may be interchangeable at the discretion of the District Attorney, based on the DAO’s organizational needs, staffing, workload, and the complexity of cases.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The DDA is in unclassified service and positions are in the DAO. Employees in this classification provide prosecutorial services on behalf of the People of the State of California. Employees are expected to learn and develop when assigned to the following units/teams: Misdemeanor Assignments; Felony Trials, Preliminary Hearings, Calendars, Domestic Violence; Charging, Law and Motion; Consumer Fraud, Environmental Protection, Insurance Fraud, Workplace Safety, and Real Estate Fraud; Cold Case/DNA; Sexual Assault; Human Trafficking, Wage Theft and Labor Trafficking; Organized Crime and Organized Retail Theft, Mental Health, and Collaborative Courts.

The DDA is distinguished from the next higher level of Assistant District Attorney I in that the latter is recognized for exceptional leadership and advanced trial expertise, and is entrusted with the most complex, sensitive, or precedent-setting cases.

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Prepares and prosecutes criminal cases in superior court.

2. Appears for and represents the DAO at court hearings, trials, and arraignments.

3. Reviews evidence and informs law enforcement officers and victims on law and criminal proceedings.

4. Conducts legal research, studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases, opinions, petitions, motions, legal briefs, and other legal documentation.

5. Stays apprised of current and relevant law, while maintaining necessary and ongoing legal education.

6. Composes motions required for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.

7. Evaluates investigation results and works closely with investigators and administrative staff to prepare cases for trial and other hearings.
8. Consult with defense counsel and judges to discuss potential plea bargains or a change of plea at the direction of supervising attorneys, unless specifically authorized.

9. Conducts post-conviction proceedings and sentencing for offenses.

10. Communicate with victims and advocates to ensure compliance with Marsy’s Law.

11. Meets with, and pre-tries victims and witnesses to prepare cases.

12. Prepares pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal procedures.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

License:

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:
• Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the DAO.
• Ethical obligations of a prosecutor.
• Criminal procedure, trial and hearing practices, rules of evidence, and are familiar with relevant penal code, vehicle code, and other statutes.
• Relevant jury instructions and rules of evidence in Felony Trial, Felony Preliminary Hearing, and Misdemeanor assignments.
• Statutory, Constitutional, and case law regarding arraignments, bail, extradition, discovery, and speedy trial rights.
• Commitment to and understanding of Marsy’s Law.

Ability to:
• Conduct legal research.
• Analyze and apply legal principles and facts.
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions on legal cases and in dealing with people.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels including colleagues, the public, court staff and attendees, and representatives of other agencies.
• Evaluate the evidence and determine provability beyond a reasonable doubt in each case and discuss with the supervisor.

Licenses:

Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver’s license. 

The County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall wellbeing. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
Vision or Vision Reimbursement
Share the Savings
Basic Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
County Allowance Credit
Flexible Spending Accounts – Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits – Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
Employee Assistance Program
For your Financial Future

Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)
For your Work/Life Balance

12 paid holidays
Floating Holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Management Paid Leave**
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
Child Care Resources
1st United Services Credit Union
*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three (3) days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to eight (8) days of management paid leave.

Please provide brief responses to the following questions. Responses to each individual question should not exceed 500 words.

1. Please describe your experience using data analysis to develop work product, including but not limited to needs assessments, program plans, program evaluation, and/or policy recommendations.
2. Please describe your experience with and knowledge of in-house custom built ‘and off –the-shelf case management systems.
3. What kinds of problems have people recently called on you to solve? Describe a specific problem you worked on, identify your contributions toward solving the problem, and outline the final results.