Deputy District Attorney III/IV

Protect the community. Serve the people. Uphold justice.

The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is seeking motivated, experienced attorneys to join us as Deputy District Attorney III/IV. In this vital role, you will prosecute meaningful and challenging cases that directly impact victims, families, and public safety. You’ll work closely with law enforcement, victims, and community partners while using your legal expertise to ensure fair, ethical, and effective outcomes.

Deputy District Attorney III handles a full range of complex cases with increasing independence. At the advanced IV level, attorneys take on the most serious and high-profile matters, including homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, major fraud, and other specialized assignments, along with opportunities to serve as a liaison to law enforcement and task forces.

If you’re ready to apply your experience in a role where your work truly matters, we encourage you to apply and join our mission.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Performs the full range of routine to complex legal activities, involving the investigation and prosecution of routine to complex criminal, juvenile, or civil cases; prepares and presents cases in court.
• Evaluates incoming law enforcement reports involving offenders; review reports and files cases and handles all aspects of prosecution from arraignment to sentencing.
• Reviews, analyzes, and researches allegations; makes determination on the appropriate charge following receipt of the agency reports; files criminal charges.
• Interviews witnesses and victims; reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, and other materials related to pending cases.
• Provides direction to law enforcement and investigative personnel related to investigation of criminal offenses; provides advice as to applicable laws, court decisions, and legal authorities.
• Negotiates with defense counsel at pre-trial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.
• Prepares and appears in court for trials, hearings, and pleadings.
• Makes recommendations regarding sentencing and presents the position at sentencing and revocation hearings.
• Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute pending cases.
• Performs appellate research and drafts appellate briefs, pleadings, bail recommendations, motions, and other legal documents; appears in the designated court of appeal.
• Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court staff and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
• Performs trial work, including jury selection, examination and cross-examination, introduction of evidence, and argument of the prosecution case.
• Maintains accurate records and files, and compiles reports of work performed.
• Participates in various task forces with surrounding counties.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.
• Communicates with victims and witness to advise on the status of the case; obtain information and schedule meetings or court appearances.
• Handle the misdemeanor and felony criminal resentencing motions, Racial Justice Act motions, appeals and related writs before the California Court of Appeal and the Kings County Superior Court; respond to habeas corpus litigation in Kings County Superior Court, including capital litigation; may involve complex discovery and evidential hearings completed within narrow time frames (Applies to the III and IV level only.)
• Serves as a lead attorney on projects, task forces, including law enforcement training and liaison tasks, as assigned. (Applies to the IV level only.)
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Must possess active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Experience:

• Level III: One (1) year of experience equivalent to a Deputy District Attorney II in Kings County or two (2) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex misdemeanor cases is required.

• Level IV: One (1) year of experience equivalent to a Deputy District Attorney III in Kings County or three (3) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex and/or high penalty cases with minimal supervision is required.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Must be willing to work irregular hours as required, including evenings and work outside normal office hours. Travel within and outside the County as required; must maintain active membership in the State Bar of California.