Deputy District Attorney I - IV
Name of Employer Firm/Organization:
Humboldt County District Attorney's Office
Street Address: 825 5th St.
City: Eureka
State / Province: CA
Postal / Zip Code: 95501
Website
https://humboldtgov.org/2928/District-Attorney
districtattorney@co.humboldt.ca.us
Phone Number
(707) 4457411
Job Title:
Deputy District Attorney I-IV
Description:
Deputy District Attorney I-IV
The District Attorney’s Office enhances public safety and seeks justice for all community members through ethical criminal prosecution, education, rehabilitation, and crime prevention efforts. All members of the District Attorney’s Office work together in a supportive, fast-paced, professional team environment. Together we fairly and justly hold offenders accountable, assist crime victims, and uphold the law.
What You'll Do:
Advocate on behalf of the People of the State of California on a variety of criminal cases at various stages of the proceedings including arraignment, OR/Bail hearings, trial and sentencing.
Protect the rights of victims and the accused.
Engage in collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies, NGO’s, crime victim advocates, attorneys, and court staff to achieve a fair and just outcome for all.
Handle every stage of trial from jury selection to closing argument, with the assistance and guidance of supportive fellow prosecutors and investigators.
Evaluate crime investigation reports and evidence, interview witnesses and victims, make crime charging decisions, negotiate and reach fair dispositions based upon law and fact.
Research, prepare and submit legal pleadings on a variety of issues, including the latest changes in the law.
Online Application Form URL (if applicable):
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca/jobs/5274537/deputy-district-attorney-i-iv
Start Date:
4/13/2026
End Date:
10/31/2026
Location of Job:
In-Office
Students should submit the following documents when applying for this job (select all that apply):
Resume
Cover Letter
Unofficial Transcript
California State Bar Association membership
Type of Job:
Full Time
Salary Rate if this is a Paid Position:
$74,484.80 - $156,624.00 Annually
Type of Practice (check as many as apply):
Government Agency—State/City/Local
Skills that externs may expect to practice (check as many as apply; add your own categories as appropriate):
Client Interviewing/Counseling
Fact Investigation
Legal Presentations/Public Speaking
Legal Research
Negotiation
Problem Solving
Trial Advocacy/Litigation
Transactional document preparation
Writing (analytical)
General Practice
Criminal
Fraud/Embezzlement
Government
Homelessness
Juvenile
Litigation
Prosecution
Public Agency
Trial Advocacy
White Collar Crime
Select all who may apply:
3L
3L (for permanent attorney position)
Graduate (0-2 years) Associate/Attorney
Experienced Attorney (3+ years) Associate/Attorney
No. of Openings
1-5
Any additional hiring criteria:
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature in representing the County in prosecuting criminal and civil offenders; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned cases. The work may be related to prosecuting cases in any of a number of legal specialty areas. Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels. Deputy District Attorney IV is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff. While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the prosecution of cases from pretrial through appeal stages. These classes are distinguished from Assistant District Attorney in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for major areas of County prosecution activities and may act as the District Attorney on a relief basis.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Evaluates incoming complaints involving juvenile and adult offenders, family support issues, etc; recommends cases to prosecution, negotiate or dismiss.
Interviews witnesses and victims of civil and criminal activities; reviews and analyzes evidence, police and other agency 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 pretrial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.
Reviews, analyzes and researches allegations; makes determination as to appropriate charges following receipt of agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings.
Assists and advises District Attorney investigators and law enforcement agencies regarding investigations in process.
Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute and/or mediate pending cases; maintains current knowledge of changing case law.
Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the prosecution case.
Maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.
Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to experience, proficiency and complexity of assigned cases as specified under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:
Civil and criminal law and procedures.
Pleading and practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.
State and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.
Skill in:
Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting County operations.
Representing the County effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements:
Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.
Application Submission Method
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca/jobs/5274537/deputy-district-attorney-i-iv
districtattorney@co.humboldt.ca.us
Application Deadline Date
10/31/2026
Acknowledgement:
I agree to abide by the terms of the Law School's non-discrimination policy.