Deputy District Attorney III/IV (SIGN-ON BONUS)

Deputy District Attorney III/IV (SIGN-ON BONUS)

Salary

$142,248.00 - $242,904.00 Annually

Location

County of Monterey, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

26/39D31/03MP

Department

District Attorney

Opening Date

03/16/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Continuous Recruitment

Exam #: 26/39D31/03MP

Looking for a competitive compensation package at an organization that values integrity, ethics, and work-life balance in a stunning location?

Welcome to the County of Monterey!

At the County of Monterey, we're proud to be the employer of choice, dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining a talented and committed workforce. Join us and make a difference while enjoying life in paradise.

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

Join the Monterey County District Attorneys Office: Seek justice, promote public safety, and make a difference.

The Monterey County District Attorney's Office is looking for intelligent, ethical, and public-service minded attorneys who are passionate about seeking justice and ensuring public safety for the people of Monterey County and the State of California.

We are currently recruiting for Deputy District Attorney / Prosecutor III & IV positions in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions.

These positions offer the opportunity to handle a high volume of complex and challenging criminal and civil cases with minimal supervision. Deputy District Attorney IIIs and IVs will be responsible for performing in-depth legal research and effectively presenting complex legal and factual issues clearly, both orally and in writing.

Our office is headquartered at the Salinas Courthouse, with a satellite office in Monterey. The team consists of 53 prosecutors, with criminal prosecutors based in Salinas, and consumer and environmental protection prosecutors in Monterey. As an approved MCLE provider, we offer regular in-house trainings to support your professional development.

The Criminal Division is organized into the following units: Auto Insurance Fraud, Board of Parole Hearings, Civil Commitments, Disability & Healthcare Insurance Fraud, Driving Under the Influence, Filing, Gangs, General Felonies, Juvenile, Misdemeanors, Prison Crimes, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse, Truancy, Welfare Fraud, Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud, and Writs and Appeals.

The Civil Division handles cases in the following areas: Consumer Protection, Environmental Crimes, Cannabis Enforcement, Real Estate Fraud, Asset Forfeiture, and Weapon Forfeiture.

For the Criminal Division: The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator with a robust history of jury trials and prior service in a District Attorney's Office, Attorney General's Office, Public Defender's Office, or a criminal defense litigation firm.

For the Civil Division: The ideal candidate has extensive working knowledge and practical experience with California's rules of civil procedure, law and motion, drafting pleadings and discovery, including complaints, stipulated judgments, injunctions, and investigative subpoenas. Strong negotiation skills and experience in cases under Business & Professions Code sections 17200 and 17500 are essential.

If you're looking to make an impact in a dynamic and supportive environment, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team!

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY / PROSECUTOR III: (Salary: $11,854 - $16,190 Monthly)

The Deputy District Attorney III / Prosecutor III is the third level in the career series. Incumbents at this level are expected to independently manage a difficult criminal/civil caseload involving complex legal research and interpretation.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY / PROSECUTOR IV: (Salary: $14,821 - $20,242 Monthly)

The Deputy District Attorney IV / Prosecutor IV is the highest level in the career series. Incumbents at this level independently manage the most difficult criminal/civil cases.

The District Attorneys Office may offer up to a $10,000 signing bonus to candidates hired into a regular full-time position for this classifications from this recruitment.

This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to any higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Examples of Duties

• Prepares criminal and civil cases for pre-trial negotiations, hearings, and potential plea bargains.
• Attends other scheduled court hearings, such as arraignments, pretrial hearings and motions, sentencings, and probation revocation.
• Interviews and prepares victims, police officers and witnesses prior to court proceedings.
• Researches questions of law and evidence and applies statutory and decisional case law, along with such other legal treaties as may be required in the preparation of cases for hearing in court.
• Prepares legal briefs, motions, memorandums of points and authorities, documents, and pleadings.
• Organizes facts and legal arguments and marshals; witnesses and evidence in preparation for trial and other court proceedings; determines nature of follow-up investigations needed for trial.
• Prepares and prosecutes criminal and civil cases for court and/or jury trial which includes: presenting opening statements, questioning, and cross-examining witnesses, introducing evidence, making relevant objections, arguing points of law, and presenting closing arguments.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required.

To view the complete job description, please visit the Monterey County HR website or click on either of the following links: DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY III - DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY IV

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Deputy District Attorney III:

Thorough knowledge of:

• The duties, responsibilities, powers and limitations of the Office of the District Attorney.
• The methods of legal research and writing.
• The rules of evidence.
• The principals of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice.
• Statutory, constitutional and decisional criminal laws of the State of California.
• The ethical standards that apply to prosecutors and attorneys.

Deputy District Attorney IV:

Expert knowledge of:

• The duties, responsibilities, powers and limitations of the Office of the District Attorney.
• The ethical standards that apply to prosecutors and attorneys.
• The methods of legal research and writing.
• The rules of evidence.
• The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice.
• Statutory, constitutional, and decisional criminal laws of the State of California.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY III:

Skills and ability to:

• Independently manage heavy caseloads.
• Conduct legal research.
• Prepare cohesive arguments to present to a judge and/or jury.
• Question and cross-examine witnesses in a courtroom.
• Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner.
• Negotiate with defense attorneys regarding the disposition of charges under general supervision.
• Take direction and implement feedback from one's supervisor.
• Prepare cases from issuance to sentencing.
• Try serious felony and/or complex civil cases and argue related motions.
• Research, draft, and argue briefs relating to serious felony and/or complex civil cases.
• Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions; evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action.
• Orally communicate complex information and concepts.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY IV:

Skills and ability to:

• Independently manage heavy caseloads.
• Conduct legal research.
• Prepare cohesive arguments to present to a judge and/or jury.
• Question and cross examine witnesses in a courtroom.
• Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner.
• Negotiate with defense attorneys regarding the disposition of charges.
• Take direction and implement feedback from one's supervisor.
• Prepare cases from issuance to sentencing.
• Review search warrants without supervision.
• Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions; evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action.
• Orally communicate complex information and concepts.
• Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings.
• Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature.
• Independently manage increasingly difficult cases under general supervision.
• Think creatively; develop new methods, procedures or approaches to achieve desired results.
• Try the most complex, sensitive and/or high-profile felony and/or civil cases and argue related motions.
• Prepare and try a felony and/or civil case with minimal notice.
• If assigned to the Civil Unit, lead teams of prosecutors within the state on complex multi-jurisdictional consumer and environmental enforcement actions.
• Research, draft, and argue motions/briefs relating to the most complex, sensitive, and/or high-profile felony and/or civil cases.
• Review submissions for issuance of complex, sensitive, and/or high-profile complaints.
• Train others on effective approaches, tactics, and organization/presentation of complicated criminal issues.

Additional Information

The required conditions of employment include but are not limited to the following:

• Pursuant to Section 6060 of the Business and Professions code, current, valid membership in the California state Bar is required by date of hire.
• Successfully complete a background investigation.
• Respond to law enforcement requests for assistance, including during after-hours warrant/on-call duty.
• Work at any location staffed by the District Attorney's Office upon the direction of the District Attorney.
• Possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license with a satisfactory driving record or be able to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.

BENEFITS

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. To view the Unit E Benefit Summary Sheet, please visit the County of Monterey HR website or click on the following link: Unit E Benefit Summary Sheet

This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES

As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection Procedures

Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty

or

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

Monterey County District Attorneys Office

Attn: Maria P. Padilla, Management Analyst II

142 W. Alisal Street, Suite A

Salinas, CA 93901

Email: padillam6@countyofmonterey.gov | Phone: (831) 759-6634

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application

To apply for veterans' preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility within 5 business days of submitting your job application to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst II, via email at ahumadas@countyofmonterey.gov or via phone at (831) 755-5238.

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Your responses to the questions will be reviewed and scored in a Qualifications Appraisal evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as this information will be critical in the competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your responses to the supplemental questions as incomplete. Note: All application materials submitted will be reviewed along with your supplemental questions and County of Monterey application.

• I have read and understand these instructions.

02

Indicate your status pertaining to the California State Bar.

• I am a member of the California State Bar.
• I have taken the California State Bar exam and am awaiting results.
• I am currently licensed to practice law in another state or jurisdiction, and I have registered as an attorney applicant with the California State Bar.
• I have not taken the California State Bar exam, and I do not plan on taking it, nor am I a member of the California State Bar.
• Other.

03

If you are a member of the CA State Bar, list your CA State Bar license number and expiration date. If you do not have a CA State Bar license, type "N/A". If you answered "Other" on question #2, please explain.

04

Have you ever been the subject of any disciplinary action regarding your ability to practice law, including but not limited to any State or Federal Bar Discipline? If so, please explain. If not, type "N/A"?

05

Have you been convicted of any crime? If so, please provide a brief description of the incident. Do not include infractions. This information will be reviewed for job relatedness. Please list all convictions except: those which have been sealed, expunged or statutorily eradicated, or pursuant to Labor Code 432.8, any convictions of marijuana-related offenses more than two years old. If none, type "N/A".

06

Please describe your experience, education, and/or training that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability in negotiating resolutions of civil cases, including the number of cases you've handled, the general type of cases, and your role.

07

Please describe your experience, education, and/or training that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability in conducting court trials and jury trials. Please provide the number of trials you have conducted and describe the types of cases, the severity (felony/misdemeanor), and the outcome.

08

Please describe your experience, education, and/or training that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability in litigating hearings. Please provide an approximate number of hearings that you have litigated and describe the types of hearings and outcome.

09

Please describe your experience, education, and/or training that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability in gathering and evaluating complex data and facts, drawing logical and sound conclusions, and formulating an effective course of action.

10

What is the primary challenge facing prosecutors today in achieving justice?

11

Your supervisor assigns you a case to try before a jury. After preparing for trial, you believe the defendant may not be guilty. What would you do?

12

What motivates you to pursue or continue a career as a Deputy District Attorney?

Required Question

Employer County of Monterey