Chief Deputy District Attorney

This class is characterized by the combination of management duties and responsibilities, and the performance of prosecution duties involving highly complex and sensitive criminal/civil cases.  This class is distinguished from the District Attorney in that the latter is an elected position and is responsible for the direction of the entire department.

The District Attorney's Office is recruiting to fill a Chief Deputy District Attorney position due to an upcoming retirement in May.  This position is crucial to the operational oversight of personnel and case management within the office.  The incumbent assigned to this position will work at the discretion of the District Attorney, supervise the operations of a Criminal Division within the office, prosecute complex cases and serve as a member of the department’s management team.  

This recruitment is a departmental promotional for employees currently working the District Attorney's Office.  This position is an "at-will" position and is exempt from the civil service.

Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:  

1. Manages the operations of a major criminal division; prepares, justifies and submits budget requests to the Department Head; monitors division expenditures; develops operational procedures; supervises division staff; assists the District Attorney in carrying out policy or development of policy  

2. Maintains liaison with administrators and representatives of the Municipal Courts, Superior Courts, Probation Department, Vallejo/Public Defenders Departments, Sheriff’s Department, local law enforcement agencies and judges; provides legal advice to law enforcement agencies; may make presentations to community groups upon request.  

3. Communicates goals and objectives and encourages accomplishment; conducts staff training; reviews, monitors and assigns casework; reviews all requests for complaints involving sexual assaults and homicides; participates in final selection of employees; evaluates performance, recognizes performance and achievement levels; recommends promotions, staff reassignments or discipline as appropriate and necessary.  

4. Reviews incoming cases to determine charges; evaluates evidence and circumstances; determines case disposition; conducts legal research; prepares cases for preliminary hearings, trials and conferences; appears in court to prosecute cases; files/prepares motions and briefs; submits and presents cases to the Grand Jury for possible prosecution; maintains currency with civil and criminal law.  

5. Coordinates inter-division activities; ensures proper maintenance and security of facility and inventory; may be assigned additional administrative and/or managerial duties.

Knowledge of:

California Penal Code

Evidence Code

Legal Research and court procedures

Policies and operations of a District Attorney’s Office

Effective prosecution techniques

Considerable management, public administration and personnel practices

Court staffing requirements

Effective supervisory practices

Effective public relations methods and practices

Ability to:

Plan, organize and supervise criminal prosecution operations

Read, apply and interpret laws and procedures

Supervise other attorneys engaged in prosecution of cases

Assign cases effectively through case assessment and evaluation of knowledge/experience of staff

Assist in formulating and communicating department policy, goals and objectives

Provide training and consultative supervision to professional staff

Organize and prioritize work assignments

Interpret administrative direction and incorporation into operational policy and procedure

Maintain confidentiality of information

Work effectively with others who have objectives counter to assigned role

Communicate with people of various socio-economic levels and temperaments

Interview people to elicit required information

Effectively delegate responsibility and authority to others

Properly prepare witnesses for trail appearances

Prepare clear and concise oral and written legal presentations

Prosecute highly complex civil and criminal cases

Assist with preparation of department budget

Monitor expenditures

Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships

Make decisions and independent judgments

Project consequences of decisions

Demonstrate tact and diplomacy

Progressively responsible experience in criminal prosecution which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and whether they will continue in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.

1. Why do you want to become a Chief Deputy District Attorney?

2. How have your education, training and experience prepared you for the position?

3. How do you feel about giving up a case load to handle the administrative responsibilities of handing U-Visas, extradition requests, 1381 demands, etc. as well as recruiting, training, supervising and evaluating other attorneys?

4. Please describe any experience you may have in formally or informally providing training and guidance to other prosecutors.

5. How would you describe the ideal role and responsibilities of a Solano County Chief Deputy District Attorney?

Candidates must be an active member of the State Bar Association.

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class III California Driver’s license may be required.

Independent travel will be required.  

Positions allocated to this class are exempt form the provision of the County’s Civil Service ordinances. 

Incumbents are hired and retained at the pleasure of the appointing authority.  

Candidates for positions in the class will be required to pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and /or policy.  

Incumbents may be required to work outside normal business hours.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date.  Previously submitted application materials .e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

DSASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"