Job Information
Sacramento County Principal Criminal Attorney in Sacramento, California
Principal Criminal Attorney
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Principal Criminal Attorney
Salary
$195,770.88 - $226,631.52 Annually
Location
Sacramento, CA
Job Type
Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
27652-24-O
Department
County Wide
Opening Date
05/03/2024
Closing Date
5/31/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
The Position
Come join one of Forbes Magazine's Best Employers! (https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state/?sh=622439a31983)
There is an additional 3.35% Management Differential which is added to the posted salary for this class.
Under general direction, plans, directs, and/or supervises the activities and personnel of an organizational unit; or, personally provides legal representation for the most complex and sensitive cases requiring the highest level of expertise, up to and including trial. Incumbents also perform legal duties as assigned.
Examples of Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge and Abilities
Demonstrated expertise in legal research, writing, analysis, case preparation, trial conduct, and related areas
Organization, management and supervision of staff and activities
Effective legal representation in highly complex, sensitive, publicized cases and/or legal projects
Establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of the clients, staff members, public officials, and the general public
Employment Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A member in good standing of the California State Bar.
AND
Four years of experience practicing law in California, one of which must be as an Attorney-Criminal Level IV or higher in Sacramento County service. Acceptable areas of law practice include, but are not limited to, criminal law, juvenile delinquency, consumer fraud, environmental protection, asset forfeiture, conservatorship, or family support.
Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.
Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (http://www.personnel.saccounty.net/Documents/EducationalDocumentsGuidelines.pdf) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.
Probationary Period
The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.
Application and Testing Information
APPLICATION
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application online by 5:00 PM on the final filing date of May 31, 2024. Click here (http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sacramento) to apply.
County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service
Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net
Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667
www.SacCountyJobs.net
Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date.
Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date.
Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the final filing date.
Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.
Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date.
The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.
FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)
All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.
This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.
All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here (http://www.personnel.saccounty.net/Documents/FAQ(2).pdf) for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
For information regarding County jobs:
www.saccountyjobs.net
Applicants requesting reasonable accommodations during employment examinations: For more information, please review the Job Applicant Exam Reasonable Accommodation Information (https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/DCOJobApplicantExamReasonableAccommodation.aspx) and submit an Employment Exam Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form .
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).
GENERAL BENEFITS:
Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting www.saccountyjobs.net.
TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.
SALARY STEP INCREASES:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.
PAY:
All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.
VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.
HOLIDAYS:
14.5 holidays per year as recognized.
SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.
PARENTAL LEAVE:
Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.
RETIREMENT:
Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.
DENTAL INSURANCE:
The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.
LIFE INSURANCE:
The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:
Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions
Marriage or Family Relationships
Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:
The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.
DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.
MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:
The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION:
In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.
SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:
The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.
SELECTION AND PLACEMENT
Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.
Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.
"Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.
PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:
If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.
OPEN EXAMINATIONS:
Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.
CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:
Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.
ELIGIBLE LISTS:
Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.
EXAMINATION RATINGS:
Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.
APPEAL PROCESS:
Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.
Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/EmploymentServicesFAQs.aspx
OTHER INFORMATION
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.
"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.
Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.
CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:
As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:
Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.
CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:
No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.
SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):
Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:
Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and
The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:
The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.
DRIVER LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.
AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:
Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:
Become a union member;
Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,
Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.
FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:
Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score.
Note: The Supplemental Questionnaire and the Application are administered as two separate documents. The Application is used only to determine if the minimum qualifications are met; and the Supplemental Questionnaire will be used only to determine your exam score.
In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored.
By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.
I have read and understood the above instructions.
02
Select the one box that best describes how you meet the minimum requirements for the position.
I am a member in good standing of the California State Bar AND I have four (4) or more years of experience practicing law in California, including one (1) year as an Attorney Criminal Level IV, or higher, in Sacramento County service.
I do not meet the minimum requirements for the position.
03
Please provide your California State Bar Number. If you are not an active member of the State Bar of California, write 'I do not meet the minimum requirements'.
04
The minimum requirements include one (1) year as an Attorney Criminal Level IV, or higher, in Sacramento County service. Select the one box that best describes your current relevant employment experience with the County of Sacramento.
I am a current County employee with one (1) or more years of experience in the class of Attorney Criminal Level IV and/or a higher-level class in the Attorney Criminal class series.
I am a former County employee with one (1) or more years of experience in the class of Attorney Criminal Level IV and/or a higher-level class in the Attorney Criminal class series.
I do not have one (1) year of experience in the class of Attorney Criminal Level IV nor a higher-level class in the Attorney Criminal class series; I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position and understand that my application will not be accepted.
05
Select all of the boxes for which you have full-time paid experience practicing criminal law in California for the listed agency.
None.
District Attorney's Office.
Public Defender's Office.
Private practice/law firm.
06
Select all of the boxes for which you are interested in being considered for employment. If you are not interested in working for either office, select none. Please note that Principal Criminal Attorney positions are allocated only to the District Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office.
None.
District Attorney's Office.
Public Defender's Office.
07
Select all of the boxes for which you have experience leading and/or supervising attorneys.
Assigning and directing work.
Reviewing and evaluating work product.
Advising on points of law, case strategy, and legal procedures.
Evaluating courtroom performance.
Reviewing work presented by other attorneys to determine which charges to file and/or move to dismiss.
Determining the sufficiency of other attorney's evidence in response to or for the filing of charges and/or move to dismiss.
None of the above.
08
Select all of the boxes that best describe your experience providing oversight and/or direction to support and administrative staff.
Assigning and directing work.
Reviewing and evaluating work product.
Developing goals and initiatives.
None of the above.
09
Select all of the boxes that best describe your experience providing oversight and/or direction to support and administrative staff.
Interviewing and hiring.
Mentoring staff.
Evaluating staff productivity and achievements.
Overseeing/performing team-building activities.
Writing/presenting performance evaluations to staff.
Performing labor relations activities and/or addressing staff grievances.
Resolving conflicts.
Investigating and resolving disciplinary issues.
Executing progressive discipline
None of the above.
10
Select all of the boxes for which you have experience specific to departmental policies and procedures.
Assisting with the development of new policies.
Developing new procedures and the procedure implementation strategy.
Implementing new policies and/or procedures.
None of the above.
11
Select all of the boxes for which you have experience specific to criminal law trainings.
DEVELOPING AND PRESENTING criminal law trainings to audiences of attorneys.
DEVELOPING AND PRESENTING criminal law trainings to other legal community members, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, classes, and/or schools.
None of the above.
12
Select all of the boxes for which you have experience practicing law in California.
Adult criminal.
Appellant/writ/post-conviction litigation.
Asset forfeiture.
Child abduction.
Consumer fraud/protection.
Environmental Protection.
Family support.
Insurance fraud.
Juvenile delinquency.
Juvenile dependency
Mental health conservatorship/litigation.
Real Estate fraud.
None of the above.
13
Select all of the boxes for which you have experience practicing California law litigating complex cases.
DNA.
Dual juries.
Gang violence/activity.
Life sentencing.
Mental health issues.
Politically/socially sensitive.
Sexual assault/molestation.
Special circumstances.
Three strikes.
None of the above.
14
Select the one box that best describes your experience practicing law in California litigating complex cases that include DNA, dual juries, gang violence/activity, life sentencing, mental health issues, sexual assault/molestation, special circumstances, and three strikes.
None.
My experience includes litigating one (1) or two (2) of the types of cases listed.
My experience includes litigating three (3) or four (4) of the types of cases listed.
My experience includes litigating five (5) or more but less than eight (8) of the types of cases listed.
My experience includes litigating eight (8) or more of the types of cases listed.
15
Select all the boxes for which you have experience performing as a Criminal Attorney.
My experience includes personal responsibility for complex trial level written motion work.
My experience includes negotiating with opposing attorneys regarding the disposition of cases and/or modification of charges.
My experience includes personal responsibility for handling appeals, writs and other post-conviction proceedings.
None of the above.
16
Select the one box that lists the number of jury trials you have conducted.
None.
1 – 15 cases.
16 – 30 cases.
31 – 45 cases.
46 or more cases.
17
Describe your experience that qualifies you for the Principal Criminal Attorney position with the County of Sacramento. Please include any information needed to further clarify your selected responses to any of the previous questions. In your response, please make sure to include:
job title(s), employer(s), dates of employment
role and level of responsibility
positions for which you led/supervised
your experience with the development and implementation of new policies and procedures
your experience researching and writing complex written trial motions and/or criminal appeals/writs and/or post-conviction matters
your experience with complex trial litigation
If you have no relevant experience, please write "None".
18
The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment must pass a drug test administered by the County and at no cost to the applicant.
I understand, if offered conditional employment, I will be subject to a drug test administered by the County as described in Sacramento County Personnel Ordinance Section 2.78.030.
Yes.
No.
Required Question
Agency
County of Sacramento
Address
700 H Street, Room 4667 Sacramento, California, 95814
Phone
(916) 874-5593
Website
http://www.saccountyjobs.net
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