Deputy District Attorney I Trainee

Stanislaus County • Modesto, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Stanislaus County District Attorney is seeking qualified law school students for the position of Deputy District Attorney I Trainee. Applicants must possess a certification to provide legal services from the State Bar of California to qualify for this position. As a member of our prosecution team, the candidate in this position could be assigned to a variety of cases including driving under the influence, domestic violence, illegal drug possession, theft, weapons charges, prostitution, and more. Candidates could also assist in all phases of prosecution including discovery, law and motion, settlement offers, trial preparation, and pleas. Attorney trainees could also interview witnesses and examine, evaluate and present evidence while prosecuting misdemeanor Cases. The candidate will work with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, paralegals and clerical support staff. The ideal candidate will be a team-player who has a demonstrated passion for seeking and pursuing justice on behalf of victims of crime. We are seeking professionals with excellent analytical, research, written communication and oral skills. Attorney trainees will be given serious consideration for open Deputy District Attorney positions upon membership in the California State Bar.

Note: Attorney I Trainees earn 15% less than the first step of the Attorney I series. Trainees are part of the unclassified service of the County; All trainees will be appointed to the first step of the salary range for the appropriate position, and will be compensated 15% below the range established for the Attorney I classification involved; Trainee appointments are not to last longer than one year. However, appointments can be extended up to a maximum of two years in cases where minimum qualifications are involved; and Upon completion of the training period and the acquisition of minimum qualifications, the individual may be upgraded to a probationary appointment at step 1 of the Attorney I salary range (an approximate 15% increase in salary). Incumbents at this level will work under the direction of a Chief Deputy District Attorney. Formal training will be provided prior to prosecuting criminal matters.

Requirements

• Legal research and writing
• Criminal and civil law procedure
• Rules of evidence
• Trial principles
• Charging statues and language
• Sentences and probation parameters
• Office procedures and practices
• Rules of court
• Prepare and present statements of facts, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Evaluate facts and evidence
• Accept and learn from criticism
• Communicate effectively
• Produce research and writing
• Accurately document actions
• Work with others in a team environment
• Public speaking and argument
• Write clearly and concisely
• Argue clearly and logically
• Basic computer skills to function effectively in an automated environment
• Current Law School graduate actively awaiting California State Bar Exam results, or awaiting to take the California State Bar Exam, OR Current enrollment in an ABA-accredited or California State Bar–accredited law school, with maintenance of good academic standing throughout the appointment
• Eligible for certification as a Certified Law Clerk in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42, including the ability to obtain and maintain such certification during employment
• Successful completion of core legal coursework, including legal research and writing and other foundational law courses sufficient to perform supervised legal work assignments.

Nice To Haves

• Three to six months employment or volunteer work in a District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, or experience working in criminal law or prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Perform case work that requires basic legal knowledge within the areas of criminal law and procedures.
• Assigned work related to misdemeanor cases, including but not limited to law and motions, case review and trial preparation.
• Assist in all phases of prosecution including discovery, law and motion, settlement offers, trial preparation, and pleas.
• Interview witnesses and examine, evaluate and present evidence while prosecuting misdemeanor Cases.
• Work with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, paralegals and clerical support staff.

Benefits

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed