Case Preparation Assistant

Job Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Investigative Unit

Why join the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office ?

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is committed to seeking justice and enhancing public safety by fairly, ethically, aggressively, and efficiently prosecuting violations of the law and working to prevent crime. As a member of the District Attorney’s Office, you will work alongside dedicated professionals who play an important role in supporting the criminal justice system and serving the residents of Contra Costa County.

As a Case Preparation Assistant, you will be an important member of the prosecution team. You will work closely with prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners to organize, review, maintain, and prepare case-related information and evidence for criminal proceedings. Your work will help ensure that prosecutors have accurate, complete, and timely information needed to effectively prepare cases for court.

The position provides an opportunity to apply strong organizational, analytical, communication, and technical skills to work that directly supports the preparation and presentation of cases in court.

This position is well suited for someone who has developed a strong foundation in legal support, law enforcement, court operations, criminal justice administration, records management, or a related field and who is ready to take on complex, time-sensitive responsibilities requiring accuracy, sound judgment, discretion, and independent work.

Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office?
The Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender (CCPD) is dedicated to ensuring justice for indigent persons accused of crimes in Contra Costa County. Contra Costa County is in the Bay Area, extending from the San Francisco Bay to the western edge of California’s Central Valley. One of the most populous counties in California, Contra Costa encompasses a range of urban, suburban, and rural communities. CCPD has an office in Richmond serving West County, an office in Martinez serving Central and East County and an office in Walnut Creek. In addition, we oversee an Alternate Defender office in Martinez.

At CCPD, we believe in innovative and fearless advocacy. Our core philosophy is that justice can only be served when the most vulnerable among us are treated with the same attention, dignity, and respect as the most powerful. We ensure that each client receives excellent representation and provide in-depth on-the-job training. We take a holistic approach in representing our clients, which includes support services within our office of social workers, law clerks, legal assistants, immigration experts, a forensic attorney expert, a mental health unit and a clean slate unit.

Our office fosters practices and policies that promote equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion.

The Public Defender's Office will also use the eligible list from this recruitment to fill two (2) vacancies as well.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced. You have developed relevant experience in law enforcement, legal support, court operations, criminal justice administration, records management, or a related field.
  
• Organized. You can independently manage multiple case-related assignments, documents, deadlines, and priorities while maintaining accuracy.
  
• Detail-oriented. You recognize that even small errors can affect the preparation and presentation of a criminal case.
  
  A strong communicator. You communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, victims, witnesses, and other criminal justice partners.
  
• Technically capable. You are comfortable learning and using case management systems, records systems, electronic documents, audio/video equipment, and other technology used in case preparation.
  
• Adaptable and dependable. You can adjust to changing priorities, manage a high-volume workload, and complete time-sensitive assignments with minimal supervision.
  
• Professional and ethical. You demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, integrity, accountability, and respect for confidential and sensitive information.
  

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Prepare case materials for court. Organize and prepare trial binders, indexes, exhibits, and other case materials so prosecutors can efficiently present cases in court.
  
• Manage criminal discovery. Collect, organize, review, and disseminate discovery materials in felony cases while ensuring information is complete, accurate, and properly maintained.
  
• Review case files. Independently examine case files and related documentation to identify missing information, inconsistencies, or materials that require follow-up.
  
• Coordinate case information and evidence. Obtain documents, records, and evidence from law enforcement agencies and other sources and coordinate with criminal justice partners to support case preparation.
  
• Maintain evidence and records. Protect the security, integrity, and organization of evidence and case-related materials.
  
• Manage competing priorities. Handle multiple cases and assignments in a high-volume environment while meeting deadlines and responding to changing priorities.
  
• Apply policies and procedures. Review and follow formal and informal discovery requirements, department procedures, and applicable rules while exercising sound judgment when handling case-related information.
  
• Support electronic evidence. Prepare and organize digital, audio, and video evidence for use in court and assist prosecutors with the presentation of electronic evidence.
  

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Your work matters. The work you perform directly supports prosecutors and contributes to the preparation of cases.
• You will work with experienced professionals. You will collaborate with prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement personnel, and other criminal justice professionals.
• You will continue to learn. The position provides opportunities to develop knowledge of criminal cases, legal processes, evidence, discovery requirements, and technology used in court.
• Every day can be different. You will work with a variety of cases, evidence, documents, and assignments, providing opportunities to use judgment and problem-solving skills.
• You will make a difference. Your attention to detail and ability to keep complex case information organized helps the prosecution team effectively prepare for court.
  
  

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Managing a high-volume workload. You may need to manage multiple cases, assignments, and deadlines at the same time.
• Working under time pressure. Court deadlines and changing case priorities may require you to quickly adjust your workload and complete assignments accurately.
• Handling sensitive information. You will routinely work with confidential, sensitive, and potentially difficult case materials requiring professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Working with complex information. Case files may contain large amounts of documents, records, evidence, and electronic media that must be carefully reviewed and organized.
• Working with multiple partners. You will communicate and coordinate with prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and other criminal justice stakeholders, sometimes in challenging circumstances.

Competencies Required:

• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Allocating Resources: Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Thinking & Acting Systematically: Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, www.cccounty.us/hr .

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Successful completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years full-time clerical, administrative, or investigative experience in a law enforcement organization, law office, or other agency associated with the criminal justice system.

Substitution for Education: Two additional years of full-time or its equivalent qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education.

Substitution for Experience: Successful completion of an additional 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.

District Attorney's Office Desirable Qualifications:

• Progressively responsible experience. Experience in law enforcement, legal support, court operations, criminal justice administration, records management, or a closely related field, sustained experience and increasing responsibility in relevant work.
• Case-related document management. Experience independently managing, reviewing, organizing, or maintaining case-related documents, records, evidence, or other case materials in a legal, law enforcement, court, or criminal justice environment.
• Case management or records systems. Experience using case management, records management, document management, or other electronic information systems.
  Competing priorities and time-sensitive assignments. Experience independently managing multiple assignments, deadlines, and changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting established timelines.
• Policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, regulations, discovery requirements, or other procedural guidelines in a legal, court, law enforcement, or criminal justice setting.
• Criminal justice collaboration. Experience working directly with prosecutors, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, investigators, or other criminal justice partners.
• Legal, court, law enforcement, or criminal justice administrative/operational support. Experience supporting attorneys, prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement personnel, court staff, or other professionals by coordinating information, maintaining records, preparing case materials, or assisting with case-related activities

Public Defender's Office Desirable Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience working with criminal law cases
• Two (2) years of experience working in Public Defender’s Office or District Attorney’s Office
• Two (2) of experience working with most vulnerable and underrepresented populations
• Desire to work within mission driven office that represents clients in all phases of their criminal cases
• Passionate to promote equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.Online Multiple-Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online multiple-choice assessment . The assessment will be conducted online to measu re candidates' competencies as they relate to the Case Preparation Assistant classification. These may include but are not limited to: Attention to Detail, Professional Integrity & Ethics, and Self-Management . Candidates must achieve a passing score on the multiple-choice test to be advanced to the Training and Experience Evaluation (Pass/Fail). Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)Final Selection Interviews: Will be scheduled by the department once the eligible list is established.
TENTATIVE DATES

Online Multiple-Choice Test: September 30 - October 4, 2026
The assessment may be administered remotely using a computer; you will need access to a reliable internet connection to participate in the assessment.
If you apply for another recruitment that uses this exam and the test is scheduled within six (6) months of the date you took the test this time, you will not have the option to re-take the exam. If more than six (6) months has passed you will need to retake the exam.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Austin Wagers at Austin.Wagers@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website .

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 9/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific