Deputy District Attorney I

County of Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA) is hiring Deputy District Attorney I prosecutors to help protect and serve the community and safeguard the rights of crime victims and accused people through a fair, impartial, and ethical pursuit of justice. Incoming attorneys receive ongoing support and training from experienced trial prosecutors. This position is a one-year training assignment. After successfully completing a 12-month probationary period, the employee may apply for promotion to Deputy District Attorney II. Deputy District Attorneys work with District Attorney Investigators and local law enforcement agencies to review felony and misdemeanor investigations, assess whether evidence supports criminal charges, select appropriate charges, and handle related court proceedings, including trials. Attorneys may be assigned to developmental rotations across Los Angeles County and to any shift, including evenings, nights, and weekends. New appointments are paid at Step 6 of the DDA I salary range: $8,582.75.

Requirements

Be admitted to the California State Bar to practice law in California by the time of application.
Provide acceptable documentation of California State Bar admission or, for recent bar passers, a California State Bar letter confirming a passing score and satisfaction of all admission requirements at the time of filing.
Have a valid California Class C Driver License or be able to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

Prepare for and conduct preliminary hearings.
Try misdemeanor and felony cases and argue related motions, including search-and-seizure motions.
Read, understand, and analyze legal documents relevant to criminal prosecution, including transcripts, pleadings, police reports, expert reports, motions, affidavits, warrants, court orders, statutes, case law, and jury instructions.
Review cases for legal sufficiency and determine whether crimes should be charged.
Communicate with witnesses, defendants, law enforcement personnel, investigators, attorneys, and other interested parties about cases.
Instruct witnesses on courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.
Prepare and organize legal discovery, evidence, and exhibits for court.
Conduct legal research and prepare written reports and legal documents, including opinions, pleadings, briefs, and points and authorities.
Act as a courtroom advocate on behalf of the District Attorney.
Assist with preparing and prosecuting more complex criminal cases.
Prepare computer-based presentations for prosecution use in court proceedings.
Visit crime scenes when appropriate.
Discuss trial strategies, factual, ethical, and legal issues, and potential case dispositions with higher-level attorneys.
Negotiate with defense attorneys about case dispositions and modification of charges.
Obtain evidence of prior convictions and provide discovery in a timely manner.