Attorney I, II, III, IV

This posting covers San Jose Metropolitan Area. The location shown is the agency's own address; the work may be assigned anywhere in that area.

Description

Under direction, to perform professional legal work in the Office of the District Attorney.There are four levels of Attorney in the District Attorney's Office.  Candidates who are referred for an interview will be assessed as to the appropriate level, if a job offer is made.

Attorney I requires active membership in the California State Bar upon appointment.

The salary for Attorney I is $68.99 - $72.45 hourly, $5,519.20 - $5,796.00 bi-weekly, $11,958.27 - $12,558.00 monthly, $143,499.20 - $150,696.00 annually

Attorney II requires active membership in the California State Bar upon appointment, and one (1) year of full-time experience equivalent to an Attorney I with Santa Clara County, or two (2) years of full-time experience in the practice of law in a government agency or in private practice.  Full-time experience as a Judicial Law Clerk may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience.

The salary for Attorney II is $80.90 - $87.87 hourly, $6,476.92 - $7,029.84 bi-weekly, $14,022.49 - $15,231.32 monthly, $168,399.92 - $182,775.84 annually

Attorney III requires active membership in the California State Bar upon appointment, and two (2) years of full-time experience equivalent to an Attorney II with Santa Clara County, or four (4) years of full-time experience in the practice of law in a government agency or in private practice.  Full-time experience as a Judicial Law Clerk may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience.

The salary for Attorney III is $96.67 - $106.57 hourly, $7,733.44 - $8,525.84 bi-weekly, $16,755.79 - $18,472.65 monthly, $201,069.44 - $221,671.84 annually

Attorney IV requires active membership in the California State Bar upon appointment, and two (2) years of full-time experience equivalent to an Attorney III with Santa Clara County, or six (6) years of full-time experience in the practice of law in a government agency or in private practice.  Full-time experience as a Judicial Law Clerk may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience.

The salary for Attorney IV is $117.52 - $146.28 hourly, $9,401.68 - $11,702.08 bi-weekly, $20,370.31 - $25,354.51 monthly, $244,443.68 - $304,254.08 annually

Eligible candidates must pass a background investigation to qualify for employment.

Applications cannot be submitted without a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and completed supplemental questionnaire, and will be rejected if incomplete.  The writing excerpt must be NO LONGER THAN 10 PAGES and include your name as being the author.  

Applicants are strongly encouraged to file their application before the last day in order to avoid technical mishaps, such as internet connection issues.  The County of Santa Clara is not likely to accept responsibility for any late filings. 

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Prepares and prosecutes criminal cases in superior court;

• Reviews evidence and advises law enforcement officers and victims on law and criminal proceedings;

• Conducts research, studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases, opinions, petitions, motions, legal briefs, and other legal documentation;  

• Composes motions required for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings; 

• Evaluates investigation results and works closely with investigators and paralegals to prepare cases for trial and other hearings;

• Consults with defense counsel and judges to discuss pleas;

• Conducts post-conviction proceedings and sentencing for offenses;

• Communicates with victims and advocates to ensure compliance with Marsy’s Law;

• Meets with victims and witnesses to prepare cases; 

• Prepares pleadings and legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal procedures;

• Appears for and represents the District Attorney’s Office at court hearings and arraignments.

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Active membership in the California State Bar is required upon appointment.

Training and Experience Note:

Knowledge and abilities consistent with the highest standard of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise required for the intended appointment.

Experience as an attorney in a District Attorney's Office in another public agency may be considered equivalent for appointment or promotion in the corresponding District Attorney's Office in the County of Santa Clara.

Qualifications

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of :

• Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office;
• Legal research methods, practices, and techniques;
• Criminal trial and hearing practices and rules of evidence;
• Penal code and criminal statutes;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications;
• General office practices and procedures, such as record keeping practices.

Ability to :

• Perform legal research;
• Analyze and apply legal principles and facts to legal issues;
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action;
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions on legal cases and in dealing with people;
• Monitor current and proposed legislation related to assigned responsibility;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, included colleagues, the public, court staff and attendees, and representatives of other agencies;
• Use computer systems and applications.

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for County of Santa Clara is Philip Downs.