(Unclassified)
To assist the District Attorney in managing and directing the overall operations of the District Attorney's Office including prosecution of all criminal cases; to prepare and present the most complex cases in court when necessary; to act for the District Attorney in the absence of or at the direction of the District Attorney; and to supervise the work of assigned subordinate staff.
The Chief Assistant District Attorney serves as full-line assistant to the District Attorney and assumes responsibility for a major division and performs general administrative tasks for the District Attorney.
Receives administrative direction from the District Attorney. Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical personnel.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist the District Attorney in managing and directing the District Attorney's Office consisting of legal, investigative, and support staff; manage and direct the prosecution of all criminal cases.
- Provide legal counsel and advice to the District Attorney on all issues concerning the District Attorney’s Office.
- Assist in developing Office goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Attorney's office; confer with the District Attorney regarding policies and major operating procedures; review, evaluate and recommend change; work with and assist subordinates with problems and recommend course of action.
- Develop and implement the District Attorney's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
- Assist in the preparation of the District Attorney's budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
- Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as requested; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Office.
- Consult and cooperate with other department managers, Judges and the Attorney General on all aspects of criminal action support; discuss problems, develop alternatives and strategies for dealing with those problems; assist in implementation of solutions, as necessary.
- Conduct and/or attend various public meetings to represent the interest of the Office.
- In the absence of the Managing Attorney, try sensitive and complex cases as needed; to assist legal staff in the prosecution and research of cases; assign and review case workload of legal staff.
- Prepare or reply to correspondence concerning criminal matters.
- Advise members of the public and of local law enforcement agencies of legal procedures; recommend that members of the public secure a private attorney.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
- Represent the Office to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
- Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
- In the absence of the District Attorney, to assume responsibility of the Office as needed.
- Perform a variety of special assignments.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law with substantial criminal prosecution experience including four years of administrative and management responsibility at the senior or executive leadership role. At least two years of the total required experience must have been with a District Attorney's Office.
Training: Graduation from a recognized law school, or the completion of an equivalent program certified by the California State Bar.
Required License or Certificate:
- Active membership in the California State Bar.
- May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.