Chief Deputy District Attorney

The Lincoln County District Attorney's Office is looking for an enthusiastic, passionate, and dynamic individual to add to their team as the Chief Deputy District Attorney. The person in this role will represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of major criminal actions including, but not limited to, aggravated murder i.e. death penalty cases, rape, sodomy, assault cases, etc.

 

This position is also responsible for supervising all Deputy District Attorneys (DDAs) in preparation and presentation of criminal and/or child support enforcement prosecution proceedings on behalf of Lincoln County.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Conduct criminal prosecution in Circuit Court proceedings: Act as Circuit Court trial team leader and assumes responsibility for organizing trial team agenda and presentations of cases. Charge offenses by information or indictment.  Draft documents, motions, orders, memoranda, diversion agreements, and search and arrest warrants with supporting affidavits.  Assume primary responsibility for the most serious offenses, i.e., aggravated murder/death penalty cases, sexual abuse, rape and sodomy, serious assault, and complex cases. Communicate with defense attorneys on matters regarding resolution of cases, discovery, and pretrial situations.  Prepare witness lists and trial notes. Research legal issues and confers with citizen witnesses and police officers.  Present evidence and argument at arraignments, release hearings, hearings on motions, trials, Grand Jury proceedings and mental commitment hearings. Prepare major felony cases for presentation to the Grand Jury. Conduct extensive pretrial investigation and preparation of complex cases. Engage in extensive pretrial motion practice in complex cases. Tries cases as lead counsel in trials of potentially long duration.

Assist the District Attorney (DA) in the administration and direction of activities of the office of the District Attorney: Act as DA in DA's absence. Advise the DA regarding direction to the Case Manager for caseload assignments for each of the DDAs, based on analysis of their skills and strengths. Develop, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, and educational programs. Coordinate and schedule training and education programs with outside agencies and personnel. Direct the efficient processing of cases according to law and office policies. Ensure consistent evaluation and handling of persons suspected of criminal conduct.  Oversee conformance to legal and ethical standards. Ensure contacts with judges, defense counsel, police and corrections officers and the public comply with department policies. Serve as Chair or a member of numerous interdisciplinary teams, as assigned by the DA and/or serves as an advisor to the Chair.  Manage and supervises the court and trial coverage. Review and approves all appropriate vouchers and requests for payments in the absence of the Administrative Chief. Devise and implement forms and procedures to improve and expedite routine tasks of DDAs. Assist the DA in formulating and implementing office policies; meets with the DA and other agency heads (including Major Crime Team) to develop and improve policies and procedures. Appear at schools and other community groups for discussion of criminal justice system.

Assists Law Enforcement: Review police reports, requests follow-up investigation by law enforcement, often requiring a personal meeting to review the report and to evaluate witness statements to better direct investigation. Provide legal advice regarding criminal law and procedure to all law enforcement agencies within Lincoln County. Together, with the DA, supervises investigation of homicides and suspicious death cases, activates major crime team, and supervises their investigations in major felonies. Provide off hour and on-call services to law enforcement agencies and other DDAs requiring assistance during nights or weekends, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Supervise all deputy district attorneys: Provide guidance to deputy district attorneys regarding department policies, procedures, and legal strategies. Keep informed of court decisions and legislation affecting criminal laws and other legal matters and educates deputy district attorneys. Conduct annual personnel evaluations of DDAs Meet on scheduled and unscheduled basis with staff to discuss and offer advice of special factual and legal issues in pending cases.  Direct activities of 1, 2, and 3 level deputy district attorneys, as necessary. Ensure prosecution of cases is justified by sufficient admissible evidence. Serve as trial team leader aiding and advising to the DDAs regarding legal issues, charging decisions, negotiations, offers, trial strategy Develop and fosters a strong working relationship with each DDA.

Minimum Education Level:
Specifics: Graduation from an accredited law school
 
Minimum Experience Level:
Six years plus
Specifics: Progressively difficult and complex experiences as a trial attorney. Three years of experience as a DDA or its equivalent                            
 
Driver’s License:
Oregon Driver's License required
Must obtain within 30 days of hire
 
Other Licenses:
Specifics: Member of Oregon State Bar at time of appointment.
 
Desirable Qualifications:
Prior management training and experience as a supervisor is preferred. Although the minimum requirement is 3 years as a deputy district attorney, a candidate with major felony trial experience is preferred.      


Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of criminal law and the practices and procedures of criminal prosecution. 
• Considerable knowledge of courtroom and trial procedures. 

Skill or ability to:

• Analyze facts, evidence, and precedents and to arrive at logical conclusions.
• Superior communication skills. 
• Appear effectively before a trial court. 
• Exercise considerable judgment over case situations. 
• Maintain effective working relationships with police agencies, judges, defense attorneys and the public.
• Convey information, ideas, and facts both orally and in writing to supervisors, colleagues, and individuals, inside and outside the county, using language and a format the audience will best understand.   
• Utilize computers and other technology to communicate in written and verbal forms (e.g., word processing, texts, emails, spreadsheets, department-specific software).
• Effectively relate well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the county. Develop and exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and maintain constructive professional working relationships.  
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Show up to work on time, and follows instructions, policies, and procedures. Meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.   

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

LINCOLN COUNTY
 
Lincoln County sits in the Central Oregon Coast, boasting miles of stunning beaches. Travelers from all over the world have made Lincoln County a must-see location. From the Kite Festival in Lincoln City, our vibrant arts community, and unmatched natural beauty, this is truly an amazing place to call home.
 
Lincoln County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, its population was 50,395. The county seat is Newport where our Health and Human Services Department is headquartered. 
 
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to hr@co.lincoln.or.us 
Apply now by clicking the link above!

Salary : $110,062 - $147,915