Deputy District Attorney $5,000 Sign-On Bonus + $1,000 Moving Expense

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

About The Position

Provides legal representation on behalf of the People in the Fourth Judicial District courts. Qualified candidates may be offered a Deputy District Attorney I, II, or III position. The role involves reviewing and prosecuting criminal cases, negotiating pleas, preparing and conducting court and jury trials, and ensuring compliance with office policies and victims’ rights requirements. The position receives general supervision and does not have supervisory authority, though it may involve providing subject-matter expertise, training, or limited guidance to other employees. Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Colorado. A valid driver’s license must be maintained. A conditional post-offer background investigation and reference check are required. El Paso County also requires a pre-employment drug screen and adheres to federal drug-screening guidelines. The physical requirements include regularly talking or hearing and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; frequently standing, walking, and sitting; and occasionally using hands to handle objects or reaching with the hands and arms. Close vision is required. The work environment usually has a moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of constitutional law, substantive and procedural criminal law, and laws relating to the presentation of evidence.
Adherence to ethical and professional standards.
Ability to read and interpret legal opinions, professional journals, and statutes; write opinions, motions, briefs, and correspondence; and communicate effectively with judges, defense counsel, witnesses, victims, law enforcement, and the public.
Competence conducting criminal trials, arguing legal instructions and cases, drafting and responding to motions, researching and summarizing information, organizing work and meeting deadlines, solving complex problems, and preparing clear written materials.
Must speak, read, and write English fluently.
Must pass a conditional post-offer background investigation and reference check.
Must complete the required pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

A secondary language is beneficial.
For DDA II: Advanced competency in the misdemeanor and traffic jury trial process.
For DDA III: Advanced competency in the felony jury trial process; advanced prosecution experience in major cases, including crimes against persons; homicide trial experience; participation in mentoring less experienced attorneys; serving as a liaison for law enforcement agencies; and conducting at least one training that qualifies for CLE units.

Responsibilities

Review criminal files, including police reports, evidence, witness statements, criminal histories, and victim input when appropriate, and determine appropriate plea offers consistent with the office’s mission.
Conduct plea negotiations with pro se defendants and defense counsel, considering relevant information alongside the case analysis.
Follow office protocols, policies, and procedures.
Prepare for and manage assigned court dockets, maintain familiarity with case facts and procedural status, complete tasks from prior hearings, and follow up after court with staff, law enforcement, victims, or other parties as needed.
Provide direction to legal support staff, paralegals, and investigators and assign tasks as appropriate.
Research and draft legal pleadings; identify issues requiring written motions and file motions and responses with the Court in a timely manner.
Prepare for and conduct court and jury trials, organize case information, prepare witnesses, and develop exhibits and visual aids, including PowerPoint presentations when appropriate.
Prepare for all stages of trial, including jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, closing arguments, objections, and evidence foundations.
Apply the Rules of Evidence competently.
Comply with Victims’ Rights mandates and requirements, including victim notification or consultation at critical stages of a case.
Support personnel in accomplishing the office’s goals and mission and provide information and guidance to staff and peers when appropriate.
Maintain and apply working knowledge of current Colorado criminal statutes and relevant case law; attend or review annual case law and legislative updates and weekly intra-office case law updates.
Perform other duties as required.