Deputy District Attorney II

Job Description

Deputy District Attorney II | County of Santa Barbara

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at the County of Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office, with current openings in Lompoc or Santa Maria and future vacancies possible in Santa Barbara. The District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to pursuing truth and justice through vigorous prosecution, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime. This position is vital for a developing career prosecutor to manage a diverse caseload of misdemeanor and felony cases, hone trial skills across all court levels, and contribute to the mentorship of new legal professionals.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Lompoc, Santa Maria, or Santa Barbara, CA
• Pay: $111993–$135037 yearly
• Team: Works within the District Attorney’s Office alongside investigators, victim-witness staff, and support staff, potentially within specialized prosecution units.
• Mission: To pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Prosecute Cases: Investigate and prosecute criminal cases, managing caseloads and preparing for trials involving misdemeanors and felonies.
• Prepare Legal Documents: Draft and prepare a variety of legal pleadings, including complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, judgments, petitions, and correspondence.
• Conduct Trials: Conduct trials and hearings effectively, presenting felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases, as well as preliminary hearings.
• Provide Guidance: Provide legal guidance to victims and witnesses, interpret laws, and assist in mentoring law clerks and entry-level attorneys.
• Engage in Development: Engage in continuous professional development through legal education and research, and participate in community outreach activities focusing on public safety.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Active membership in the State Bar of California with completion of core law degree courses; this role is for a developing career prosecutor.
• Experience: One year as an attorney in public law or two years as a general practicing attorney, or one year as a Deputy District Attorney I with Santa Barbara County; experience should include independently managing misdemeanor caseloads and handling early-level felony assignments, with comfort in conducting preliminary hearings, motion hearings, and jury trials.
• Skills: Strong legal research and writing skills; effective communication with victims, witnesses, and law enforcement; sound judgment and organizational abilities; proficiency in criminal and civil law, rules of evidence, trial procedures, and administrative law; strong moral standards and adherence to California Bar ethical guidelines, free from disciplinary actions under Rules 3.8 and 5-110.
• Bonus: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required.