DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I

Job Description

Position/Program Information

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

EXAM NUMBER:
A9271L

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:

We welcome applications from everyone!

FILING PERIOD:

The application filing period will begin on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) - Continuous.

We will continue accepting applications until the needs of the recruitment have been met. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

Los Angeles County, with almost 10 million residents, is the nation’s most populous county and one of Southern California's largest employers! With more than 100,000 employees across 39 departments and 2,100 different job types, we provide vital and diverse public services, including law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities. We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

Joining the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA) is the largest local prosecutorial office in the United States. Our jurisdiction spans 4,084 miles, stretching from the Antelope Valley to Long Beach and from Pomona to Malibu. LADA is dedicated to protecting and serving our community and safeguarding the rights of crime victims and the accused alike through an unrelenting pursuit of justice. That pursuit of justice will ensure that not just the result, but the process itself reflects the highest standards of fairness, impartiality, and integrity. Incoming Deputy District Attorneys will receive ongoing support and training from some of the nation's most accomplished trial prosecutors. Become a champion for justice with LADA.

SPECIAL SALARY INFORMATION:
New appointments shall be compensated at Step 6 ($8,582.75) of the DDA I salary range.

What does a Deputy District Attorney I do?
As a prosecutor, you will work closely with District Attorney Investigators and local law enforcement agencies, review felony and misdemeanor investigations and determine whether sufficient evidence is present to file criminal charges, decide on the appropriate charge(s), and handle related court proceedings, including trials. Your role as a Deputy District Attorney is vital to fulfilling the mission of the Office.

The Deputy District Attorney I position is structured as a one-year training assignment. Following the successful completion of a 12-month probationary period, you will have an opportunity to apply and be promoted to the Deputy District Attorney II position.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepares and conducts preliminary hearings. Tries misdemeanor and felony cases and argues related motions such as search and seizure.
• Reads, understands, and analyzes legal documents (e.g., courtroom transcripts, pleadings, police reports, expert witness reports, statutory and non-statutory legal motions, affidavits, arrest and search warrants, court orders, statutes, appellate case law, and jury instructions) related to criminal prosecution.
• Reviews cases for legal sufficiency for the purpose of charging crimes.
• Communicates with witnesses, defendants, law enforcement, investigators, attorneys, and other interested parties regarding cases. Instructs witnesses on courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.
• Prepares and organizes extensive legal discovery, evidence, and exhibits to be presented in court.
• Conducts legal research to prepare written reports and draft various legal documents (e.g., opinions, pleadings, briefs, and points and authorities).
• Acts as a courtroom advocate on behalf of the District Attorney.
• Assists in the preparation and prosecution of the more complex criminal cases.
• Prepares computer-based presentations for use by the prosecution in court proceedings.
• Visits the crime scene when appropriate.
• Discusses trial strategies, factual, ethical, and legal issues, and potential case dispositions with higher-level attorneys.
• Negotiates with defense attorneys regarding the disposition and modification of charges.
• Obtains evidence of prior convictions and provides discovery in a timely manner.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:
All applicants must be admitted to the California State Bar Association to practice law in the State of California. Types of acceptable documents include:

• A legible copy (photocopy or PDF format) of an active California State Bar Card (CSBC). The CSBC must indicate the current year. If the watermark of the current year is not visible, your application will be rejected. -OR-
• If you recently passed the bar and do not have a bar card, a legible copy (photocopy or PDF format) of a letter from the California State Bar Association that clearly states that you have achieved a passing score on the California State Bar Examination AND that you have satisfied ALL of the requirements for admission to practice law at the time of filing.

All correspondence must be on the California State Bar letterhead.

Congratulatory letters indicating you have NOT satisfied ALL of the requirements for admission to practice law will not be accepted. Examples of outstanding requirements include:

• Records indicate that your Application for Determination of Moral Character has not been completed or still needs to be submitted. Early submission is strongly encouraged, as this process may take several months to complete. Failure to complete this requirement may result in the rejection of your application.
• Records indicate that you have not taken the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
• Records indicate that you have outstanding fees.

Law graduates with provisional licenses are not eligible to participate in this examination.

To receive credit for your Bar Card, include a legible copy with your application. If you are unable to attach documents, you may email them to exams@da.lacounty.gov at the time of filing or within seven (7) business days of filing your application. Failure to provide the documentation will result in application rejection. Please include your Name, the Exam Number, and the Exam Title on the documents.

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst. Please check your application to ensure that the documents are uploaded logging into governmentjobs.com and reviewing your submitted application. All documents must be clear and legible. Although resumes may be uploaded as attachments to the online application, resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of completing the online application.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to apply an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS:

2 - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

LOCATION AND SHIFT REQUIREMENTS:

Deputy District Attorneys are rotated through a variety of developmental assignments to prepare for handling cases of increasing difficulty; incumbents may be assigned to work in any area of Los Angeles County and on any shift (e.g., evenings, nights, weekends).

Additional Information

If you fulfill the requirements outlined above, you will be invited to participate in the examination.

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

Our assessment process for this exam consists of a:

Structured oral interview weighted 100% of your score,which includes an opening statement exercise and will evaluate your knowledge of criminal law and procedures, prosecutorial ethics, and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.

NOTE: All notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application.

Standardized examination materials are not subject to review, as outlined in the CSR 7.19. However, the following material is available for review:

- Interview Results Report

ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION:

Applicants who passed the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of 6 months. Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the District Attorney's Office as they occur.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Falsification of information on your application and any attachments will result in refusal of application, rescission of appointment, or restriction of application to future recruitments.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part.

Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.

info@governmentjobs.com

talentcentral@shl.com

exams@da.lacounty.gov
cjordan@da.lacounty.gov

Plan to submit your application well in advance of the deadline as you may be required to verify your email address. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at anytime by logging in to governmentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES:
For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD:

All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (ARDI):

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

TESTING ACCOMMODATION:

If you require accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for testing accommodation.

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT US:

Exam Number: A9271L

Department Contact Name: Exams Unit

Department Contact Phone: (213) 257-2700

Departmental Contact Email: exams@da.lacounty.gov

ADA Coordinator Phone: (213) 257-2700

California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099

Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077

For detailed information, please click here

Closing Date/Time: Continuous