Placer County

Assistant District Attorney (#19806)

$87.13-$108.82 Hourly / $15,102.53-$18,862.13 Monthly / $181,230.40-$226,345.60 Yearly


DEFINITION

(Unclassified)

To assist the District Attorney and Chief Assistant 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; and to supervise the work of assigned subordinate staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant District Attorney serves as full line and functional management responsibility for activities of a major division providing multiple, varied functions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the District Attorney and general direction from the Chief Assistant District Attorney.

Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assist the District Attorney and Chief Assistant 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.
  • Assist in developing Office goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
  • Plan, organize and direct activities and operations of the various divisions of the District Attorney's office; confer with the District Attorney and/or Chief Assistant 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.
  • 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.
  • Perform a variety of special assignments.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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 two years supervisory experience.  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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • All aspects of legal administration, including appropriate methods, procedures and technical expertise.
  • California criminal law and procedures; California code of evidence and judicial rules.
  • Public sector law, California and federal statutory and constitutional law, civil and appellate procedures and County ordinances and regulations.
  • Principles and practices of criminal law, trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Principles and practices of policy development and implementation.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
  • Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
  • Legal research methods.
  • Responsibilities, power and statutory limitations of the District Attorney's Office.
  • Budgeting procedures and techniques.
  • Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
  • Modern office procedures and computer equipment.

Ability to:

  • Organize, direct and implement programs and policies for the management of a District Attorney's Office.
  • On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve Office related issues; remember various personnel rules; and explain and interpret policy.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; communicate through written means.
  • Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems.
  • Present law, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
  • Investigate, explain and write reports on legal matters.
  • Prepare and administer a budget.
  • Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
  • Interpret and explain Office policies and procedures.
  • Represent the County under diverse circumstances and prepare and deliver oral presentations to small and large groups.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Work under time constraints and exacting professional and legal standards.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Implement a participatory management program throughout the Office and motivate staff.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

CLASS: 19806; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 10/23/2018;