What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy District Attorney I position at County of Napa?
The Napa Valley
Napa County is home to 140,000 residents who share a strong sense of community and a legacy of preserving and protecting our rich agricultural heritage.
Located in the heart of California's preeminent wine region, the Napa Valley is also part of the dynamic San Francisco Bay Metropolitan Area. With its sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the mountains and ocean, the Valley offers residents easy access to virtually unlimited shopping, dining, cultural and recreational opportunities.
The Napa Valley's strategic location, natural and cultural resources, history of responsible land use planning and attractive quality of life provide the ideal mix of small town living and big city amenities.
Napa County as an Employer
As an organization, the County is dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and reflecting the best of the community's values: Respect, Accountability, Dedication, Integrity and Innovation. LEARN MORE HERE.
The Position
The District Attorney's Office is currently seeking an Attorney I to join our team. The Attorney I is the entry level classification of this flexibly staffed series. Incumbents at this level handle the less difficult cases and assignments, while learning their respective duties and responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be a person of integrity while possessing a passion for justice, a love of mercy, and an attitude of humility.
The mission of the Napa County District Attorney’s Office is to investigate and prosecute criminal and civil cases with integrity and fairness, to treat crime victims and witnesses with the highest level of respect and dignity, and to take a proactive role in crime prevention through community awareness and education.
Applicants awaiting February 2026 California State Bar exam results are encouraged to apply.
The Attorney classification series is flexibly staffed from the I to the III; meaning incumbents can progress from one level to another, once they have mastered their current level and if department operational needs justify it, without a competitive process.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreed Salary Increases and Winter Time Off:
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities. A desirable combination is:
Experience
None required.
Education
Graduation from an accredited law school.
License or Certificate:*
Active membership in the California State Bar Association.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
SALARY
$55.73 - $66.73 Hourly
$4,458.40 - $5,338.40 Biweekly
$9,659.87 - $11,566.53 Monthly
$115,918.40 - $138,798.40 Annually
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Application Deadline
By 12:00 PM (PST) on April 10, 2026
Application Screening & Supplemental Question Scoring
Tentatively scheduled for the week of April 13, 2026
Supplemental questions will be scored by subject matter experts. The most qualified applicants from scoring the supplemental questions will be invited for an Oral Panel Interview.
Oral Panel Interview
Tentatively scheduled for the week of TBD, 2026
The most qualified candidates from the interview process will be placed on the eligibility list and may be considered for current and future vacancies for this position for up to one year.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to change the recruitment process at any time.
Example of Duties
To view the full job description, including the example of duties, click here; Attorney I
Benefits
Learn more about the benefits package for this position here.
ADA Accommodation
Applicants requiring accommodation during the application and/or selection process pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act should contact County of Napa Human Resources at (707) 253-4303.
Disaster Service Workers
Napa County employees automatically become Disaster Service Workers. This means that when Napa County experience emergencies (earthquakes, wildfire, power outage, etc.) you may be asked to pivot from your regular duties to provide critical services to those affected by the emergency (Cal. Gov. Code
Public Services Employees Benefits Information
SALARY -
Salaries are based on a five-step range. Appointments are usually made at the beginning step with advances occurring at six months and the completion of each year thereafter. Salary rates are reviewed annually.
Additional Benefits Info -
Click here for additional benefits information for Public Services Employees:
https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/25886/Benefits-Summary---Public-Service-Employee-PSE
These Benefits Do Not Apply To Extra Help Positions
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
PHYSICAL STANDARDS -
Certain designated County positions require a candidate to pass a physical examination prior to appointment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.
FINGERPRINTING -
All employees hired into allocated positions or extra help positions will be fingerprinted.
SELECTION PROCESS -
FOR POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT - The selection process will include an oral board interview, psychological assessment, background investigation, and a pre-employment physical exam.
01
Instructions for Supplemental Application Questions. The following questions comprise one of the steps in the selection process for this position and are intended to assist you in presenting your qualifications. Only the information you provide in your answers to these questions will be evaluated and scored to determine the best qualified candidates to continue in the selection process for this position. Please be complete and specific in answering the questions as your score will be based on this information. Applications submitted without responses to the supplemental questions will not be evaluated. Although your experience and education should relate back to your application, your application and or resume will not be reviewed when scoring the supplemental questions. Therefore, please be as detailed as possible in your responses to the supplemental questions. I have read and understand the instructions presented above.
Are you an active member of the California State Bar?
If you answered "yes" to question number three, please enter your California Bar membership number.
04
If you answered "no" to question number three, are you awaiting the results from the February 2026 California State Bar exam?
What academic, professional, and/or clerkship experience do you possess which you believe will enhance your ability to serve as a prosecutor?
06
While previous legal experience is not required at the Attorney I level, it is highly desirable for this position. Therefore, please describe any previous experience you have in preparing and drafting criminal complaints, indictments, information, motions, briefs, and prosecution and/or defense of preliminary hearings and/or jury trials.
Napa County is home to 140,000 residents who share a strong sense of community and a legacy of preserving and protecting our rich agricultural heritage.
Located in the heart of California's preeminent wine region, the Napa Valley is also part of the dynamic San Francisco Bay Metropolitan Area. With its sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the mountains and ocean, the Valley offers residents easy access to virtually unlimited shopping, dining, cultural and recreational opportunities.
The Napa Valley's strategic location, natural and cultural resources, history of responsible land use planning and attractive quality of life provide the ideal mix of small town living and big city amenities.
Napa County as an Employer
As an organization, the County is dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and reflecting the best of the community's values: Respect, Accountability, Dedication, Integrity and Innovation. LEARN MORE HERE.
The Position
The District Attorney's Office is currently seeking an Attorney I to join our team. The Attorney I is the entry level classification of this flexibly staffed series. Incumbents at this level handle the less difficult cases and assignments, while learning their respective duties and responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be a person of integrity while possessing a passion for justice, a love of mercy, and an attitude of humility.
The mission of the Napa County District Attorney’s Office is to investigate and prosecute criminal and civil cases with integrity and fairness, to treat crime victims and witnesses with the highest level of respect and dignity, and to take a proactive role in crime prevention through community awareness and education.
Applicants awaiting February 2026 California State Bar exam results are encouraged to apply.
- Any potential offer of employment extended is contingent upon passing of the California State Bar exam.**
The Attorney classification series is flexibly staffed from the I to the III; meaning incumbents can progress from one level to another, once they have mastered their current level and if department operational needs justify it, without a competitive process.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreed Salary Increases and Winter Time Off:
- 3.5% COLA increase effective 7/1/2026
- 32 hours of Winter Time Off
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities. A desirable combination is:
Experience
None required.
Education
Graduation from an accredited law school.
License or Certificate:*
Active membership in the California State Bar Association.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
SALARY
$55.73 - $66.73 Hourly
$4,458.40 - $5,338.40 Biweekly
$9,659.87 - $11,566.53 Monthly
$115,918.40 - $138,798.40 Annually
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Application Deadline
By 12:00 PM (PST) on April 10, 2026
Application Screening & Supplemental Question Scoring
Tentatively scheduled for the week of April 13, 2026
Supplemental questions will be scored by subject matter experts. The most qualified applicants from scoring the supplemental questions will be invited for an Oral Panel Interview.
Oral Panel Interview
Tentatively scheduled for the week of TBD, 2026
The most qualified candidates from the interview process will be placed on the eligibility list and may be considered for current and future vacancies for this position for up to one year.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to change the recruitment process at any time.
Example of Duties
To view the full job description, including the example of duties, click here; Attorney I
Benefits
Learn more about the benefits package for this position here.
ADA Accommodation
Applicants requiring accommodation during the application and/or selection process pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act should contact County of Napa Human Resources at (707) 253-4303.
Disaster Service Workers
Napa County employees automatically become Disaster Service Workers. This means that when Napa County experience emergencies (earthquakes, wildfire, power outage, etc.) you may be asked to pivot from your regular duties to provide critical services to those affected by the emergency (Cal. Gov. Code
- 3101.)
Public Services Employees Benefits Information
SALARY -
Salaries are based on a five-step range. Appointments are usually made at the beginning step with advances occurring at six months and the completion of each year thereafter. Salary rates are reviewed annually.
Additional Benefits Info -
Click here for additional benefits information for Public Services Employees:
https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/25886/Benefits-Summary---Public-Service-Employee-PSE
These Benefits Do Not Apply To Extra Help Positions
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
PHYSICAL STANDARDS -
Certain designated County positions require a candidate to pass a physical examination prior to appointment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.
FINGERPRINTING -
All employees hired into allocated positions or extra help positions will be fingerprinted.
SELECTION PROCESS -
FOR POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT - The selection process will include an oral board interview, psychological assessment, background investigation, and a pre-employment physical exam.
01
Instructions for Supplemental Application Questions. The following questions comprise one of the steps in the selection process for this position and are intended to assist you in presenting your qualifications. Only the information you provide in your answers to these questions will be evaluated and scored to determine the best qualified candidates to continue in the selection process for this position. Please be complete and specific in answering the questions as your score will be based on this information. Applications submitted without responses to the supplemental questions will not be evaluated. Although your experience and education should relate back to your application, your application and or resume will not be reviewed when scoring the supplemental questions. Therefore, please be as detailed as possible in your responses to the supplemental questions. I have read and understand the instructions presented above.
- Yes
- No
Are you an active member of the California State Bar?
- Yes
- No
If you answered "yes" to question number three, please enter your California Bar membership number.
04
If you answered "no" to question number three, are you awaiting the results from the February 2026 California State Bar exam?
- Yes
- No
What academic, professional, and/or clerkship experience do you possess which you believe will enhance your ability to serve as a prosecutor?
06
While previous legal experience is not required at the Attorney I level, it is highly desirable for this position. Therefore, please describe any previous experience you have in preparing and drafting criminal complaints, indictments, information, motions, briefs, and prosecution and/or defense of preliminary hearings and/or jury trials.
- Required Question
Salary : $115,918 - $138,798