Deputy District Attorney I

County of Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office is seeking multiple Deputy District Attorney I candidates to fill vacancies throughout the County. This is an entry-level position within a flexibly staffed series, where incumbents receive training and are expected to progress to the experienced Deputy District Attorney II level. The office's mission is to pursue truth and justice by prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime, with a strong emphasis on ethical standards, team collaboration, and continuous development. Specialized units focus on gangs, vulnerable victims, and white-collar crime, and specialty courts address issues like DUI, drug, mental health, restorative justice, and veterans' treatment. The office is committed to mentorship, professional development, ethical prosecution, innovation, and a collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Completion of the core courses required for a law degree.
• 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.
• Knowledge of legal research methods.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions, civil and criminal codes, and the California Constitution.
• Knowledge of trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Ability to perform legal research.
• Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents in legal problems.
• Ability to present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and forcefully, both in written and oral form.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• A commitment to public service and the ethical pursuit of justice.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within the criminal justice system.
• Experience through internships, externships, clerkships, or employment in criminal law or litigation, preferably in a public sector agency.
• The ability to effectively communicate with victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of criminal and civil investigations, trial preparations, and prosecutions.
• Interview and advise victims and witnesses regarding prospective criminal or civil actions.
• Study, interpret, and apply laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for prosecuting cases.
• Prepare legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, and judgments.
• Prosecute a variety of cases, including felony, misdemeanor, and traffic trials and presentation of preliminary hearings.
• Prepare petitions, complaints, reports, and correspondence.
• Actively seek continuing legal education and training, which may include reading, research, observing and seeking counsel from peer attorneys, and attending trainings.
• Perform community outreach, which may include training law enforcement personnel and performing outreach at schools or community organizations that focus on public safety or justice.
• Mentor and train Deputy District Attorney Externs and/or new Deputy District Attorneys.

Benefits

• Retirement reciprocity for applicants from other public sector employers.
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate for applicants from other public sector employers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree