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County of Kings - Califonia

Deputy District Attorney III/IV (Continuous)

County of Kings - Califonia, Hanford, California, United States, 93230


The Kings County District Attorney's Office is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of:DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY III/IVDeputy District Attorney III

Starting Salary $134,513.60 Annually (Plus a retention bonus up to $5,000)Deputy District Attorney IV

Starting Salary $148,595.20 Annually (Plus a retention bonus up to $5,000)Effective

September

4, 2023 Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/VI will receive a retention bonus up to $5,000 per year. (Bonus will be prorated based on date of hire). Retention bonus will conclude on December 21, 2025.The County of Kings is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney with high ethical standards and professionalism to join the team at the District Attorney's Office. The successful candidate will perform difficult and complex legal work involving the preparation, presentation and prosecution of criminal or civil cases in court before a jury; may directly supervise other attorneys and/or legal staff; and perform related duties as required. There is one immediate full-time vacancy in the District Attorney's Office. Future vacancies for this position may be filled from the eligible list to be established. The expected life of the eligible list is six months.This is a

"continuous recruitment"

which means, we will accept applications on a continuous basis. A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is a multi-level professional classification series in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four (4) levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned cases. The work may be related to prosecuting cases in a number of legal specialty areas of criminal and civil law. Positions in these classes are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level classification.Deputy District Attorney III:

This is the third working, and full journey-level, classification in the Deputy District Attorney series responsible for performing the full range of professional legal work within the District Attorney’ Office; typical cases include those assigned to the Deputy District Attorney II level, as well as additional ongoing assignments to investigate and litigate complicated, criminal, juvenile, and civil cases. Positions in this classification rely on experience and judgment to ensure the efficient and effective prosecution and litigation of assigned cases. The work involves problem-solving of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure. Assignments are given with general guidelines, and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver legal services. Work may be reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.Deputy District Attorney IV:

This is the fourth working, and highest (non-lead or supervisor) advanced-level, classification in the Deputy District Attorney series responsible for performing the most complex and difficult professional legal work within the District Attorney’s Office; typical cases include regular assignment to investigate and litigate complicated, high profile criminal cases or an assignment to a specialized misdemeanor and felony caseloads such as homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, major fraud and drug cases. Incumbents may also serve as a law enforcement liaison, task forces, and grand jury liaison. Positions in this classification have extensive experience and judgment to ensure the efficient and effective prosecution of assigned cases. The work involves problem-solving of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver legal services.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.Performs the full range of routine to complex legal activities, involving the investigation and prosecution of routine to complex criminal, juvenile, or civil cases; prepares and presents cases in court.Evaluates incoming law enforcement reports involving offenders; review reports and files cases and handles all aspects of prosecution from arraignment to sentencing.Reviews, analyzes, and researches allegations; makes determination on the appropriate charge following receipt of the agency reports; files criminal charges.Interviews witnesses and victims; reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, and other materials related to pending cases.Provides direction to law enforcement and investigative personnel related to investigation of criminal offenses; provides advice as to applicable laws, court decisions, and legal authorities.Negotiates with defense counsel at pre-trial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.Prepares and appears in court for trials, hearings, and pleadings.Makes recommendations regarding sentencing and presents the position at sentencing and revocation hearings.Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute pending cases.Performs appellate research and drafts appellate briefs, pleadings, bail recommendations, motions, and other legal documents; appears in the designated court of appeal.Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court staff and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.Performs trial work, including jury selection, examination and cross-examination, introduction of evidence, and argument of the prosecution case.Maintains accurate records and files, and compiles reports of work performed.Participates in various task forces with surrounding counties.Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.Communicates with victims and witness to advise on the status of the case; obtain information and schedule meetings or court appearances.Handle the misdemeanor and felony criminal resentencing motions, Racial Justice Act motions, appeals and related writs before the California Court of Appeal and the Kings County Superior Court; respond to habeas corpus litigation in Kings County Superior Court, including capital litigation; may involve complex discovery and evidential hearings completed within narrow time frames (Applies to the III and IV level only.)Serves as a lead attorney on projects, task forces, including law enforcement training and liaison tasks, as assigned. (Applies to the IV level only.)Performs related duties as assigned.Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEEducation:Must possess active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.Experience:Level III:

One (1) year of experience equivalent to a Deputy District Attorney II in Kings County or two (2) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex misdemeanor cases is required.Level IV:

One (1) year of experience equivalent to a Deputy District Attorney III in Kings County or three (3) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex and/or high penalty cases with minimal supervision is required.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONSLicenses:Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSQualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Must be willing to work irregular hours as required, including evenings and work outside normal office hours. Travel within and outside the County as required; must maintain active membership in the State Bar of California.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:Civil and criminal law and procedures particularly as related to areas of legal specialty.Practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.Judicial procedures, rules of court, and rules of evidence.Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.Applicable state and federal laws, criminal law, civil law, constitutional law, and provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.Organization and procedures of the District Attorney’s Office.Pleadings and appellate court procedures.Principles, methods, and techniques of legal research, legal writing, and investigation.Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.Ability to:Prosecute the full range of criminal, juvenile, and civil cases.Define issues, perform legal research, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations. Conduct effective negotiations.Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.Interpret and explain legal principles and relate them to both trained legal professionals and the public.Handle difficult situations and respond quickly to changing situations.Prepare clear, concise, and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence, and other written material.Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, often times in front of large groups.Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.Understand, apply and interpret state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting prosecution and litigation of cases.Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.Effectively use computer systems, software applications, case management systems, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.Communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

For a detailed job description, please click the links below:Deputy District Attorney IIIDeputy District Attorney IV All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUESTVeteran's Preference ApplicationYou must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.#J-18808-Ljbffr