Deputy District Attorney I-26392907

Are you looking to start your career as an attorney with an award-winning agency?  
 If so, the District Attorney's Office is currently recruiting for Deputy District Attorney I.  Don't miss the opportunity to set your career on the fast track. Apply Today!

Future Salary Increases:

** June 2027 – 7.38% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 4.38% Market Adjustment) 

About the Position

Deputy District Attorney I is the first working-level class of the Deputy District Attorney series. Under general supervision, incumbents prepare and try criminal or civil cases in the Superior Court.

For more information on this job description, please visit the Deputy District Attorney I job classification page.

Hiring Timeline & Dates

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. 

• Job Offer and Background Process begins shortly after the interviews conclude.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date 

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, AND, active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
  
In addition to the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire, applicants must submit: 

(1) A photocopy of law school transcripts 

(2) Resume

(3) A cover letter 

(4) A minimum of one (maximum of two) letters of recommendation in PDF format.

NOTE:
 Applicants who sat for the California Bar Exam in July 2026 are eligible to apply and need not submit a copy of the California Bar Card.  However, those applicants must submit proof of the moral character determination at the time of application and provide proof of passing the bar examination in November 2026 and be sworn-in by the anticipated start date of December 2026.

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.  
Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a nine (9) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
 
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. 

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. 

Disaster Service Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.