Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct and supervise a group of attorneys either in a regional office or in a functional area such as Superior or Municipal Court within the District Attorney's office; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates and are responsible for a program area within a work unit or department.

Receives general direction from the Managing Attorney or the Assistant District Attorney.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional, technical and clerical personnel.

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of Unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for attorneys; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in researching and prosecuting cases in all courts within the County.
• Evaluate assigned operations and activities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Assist legal staff in evaluating the various stages of prosecution including:  upon receipt of complaints, review and examine physical and testimonial evidence; interrogate witnesses; investigate and determine whether or not a crime has been committed, the nature of the crime and whether or not evidence justifies prosecution of the crime; assist subordinates in determinations as to prosecutions; conduct preliminary hearings on misdemeanor and felony cases; present evidence; interrogate witnesses; and confer with the judge and the defense attorney regarding charges.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for expenditure needs of assigned unit; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• On an occasional basis, try cases in the Superior and Municipal Court; prepare trial briefs; check questions of law; draft jury instructions; present opening statements; interrogate and cross-examine witnesses as needed; argue points of law; anticipate the reasoning of defense attorneys; make final arguments and summations.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law with substantial criminal prosecution experience including a minimum of one year of lead experience.  At least three years of the total required experience must have been with a District Attorney's office.

Training: Active membership in the California State Bar.

Required License or Certificate:

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• California criminal law and procedures; California code of evidence and judicial rules.
• Public sector law, California and federal statutory and constitutional law, civil and appellate procedures and County ordinances and regulations.
• Law enforcement and investigative techniques.
• Principles and practices of criminal law, trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Principles of budget monitoring.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct the operations and activities of a professional staff of attorneys.
• On a continuous basis, analyze a case and determine the law's application; identify and interpret the applicable law or statute; know all case precedents; observe juries and witnesses; problem solve situations that arise in cases; remember and understand case law and statutes; and explain case status to the public as required.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; and communicate through written means.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and Office policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Implement a participatory management program throughout Department and motivate staff.
• Work under time constraints and exacting professional and legal standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.