Deputy District Attorney 1

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office invites skilled attorneys with a commitment to justice to apply for the position of Deputy District Attorney 1 (DDA 1). The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting offenders accused of committing state and municipal law violations within Multnomah County. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to the open and balanced administration of justice; one that honors and respects diversity in all of its forms.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has approximately 200 staff members, including 78 appointed Deputy District Attorneys. As a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County, Oregon you are a skilled individual with a commitment to justice. The District Attorney’s Office is authorized to prosecute state felony and misdemeanor charges in Multnomah County. Our office is considered to be one of the nation’s leaders in drug courts, diversion programs, community courts, and neighborhood prosecution. We strive for professionalism, fairness, and openness. There are many opportunities to develop skills and grow within the organization, and this is what makes being a Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney an exciting and rewarding career.

This is an open continuous posting, meaning the job posting will be open to fill positions as they become available or as we fill current vacancies. If you would like to be considered, we invite you to apply immediately!

Your career as a Deputy District Attorney 1 may start in the Intake, Misdemeanor Trial, or Domestic Violence units. These positions essential functions may include but is not limited to the following:  

• Review police reports and evidence to make an informed charging decision in a wide variety of misdemeanor criminal offenses.

• Advise both law enforcement and community members regarding legal questions and procedures.

• Prepare misdemeanor cases for trial including developing a trial strategy, preparing witnesses and drafting legal motions and memoranda.

• Participate in case negotiations with defense counsel.

• Appear in court and represent the State of Oregon in arraignments, all phases of trial, entries of plea, sentencing hearings and probation violation hearings.

• J.D. from an accredited law school, member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar, eligible for reciprocity.

• Current Certified law students employed at MCDA or a law clerk with a minimum of one year of experience in a prosecutor’s office.

• Active membership and member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar required prior to the time of employment. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to persuasively present facts and evidence to judges and juries.

• Possess good judgment and organizational skills; effectively work with others; comprehend and follow complex instructions; interpret and implement legal analysis; deal tactfully with the public.

• Valid driver's license.

• Prior jury trial experience.

• Thorough knowledge of criminal law practice and rules of criminal procedure.

• Strong academic record.

• Resident of Multnomah County.

• Willingness to assist with complex major felony prosecution.

• Advanced knowledge of data systems such as RegJIN, LEDS, NCIC, Odyssey, and CRIMES.

• Candidates must successfully pass a thorough criminal background check and post -offer urine drug screen. During the interview process, you will be asked to sign a disclosure statement about the arrests and convictions of immediate family members and close relations pursuant to our policy regarding Outside Associations. Immediate family is defined to include parents, spouse, spouse equivalent, brother, sister, children, grandparents, or any individual where the relationship is close or intimate, or a roommate. An answer of "Yes" to any Outside Associates will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

• Why you are interested in the position, AND

• How you meet the required minimum qualifications for this position (Detailing how your experience and training qualifies you for this role. Please be specific about your experience as it relates to the Essential Job Functions, To Qualify, and Specific KSAs sections above.)

1. Are you a current member of the Oregon State Bar?  If answered no, when do you expect to be admitted?

2.  Have you ever been the subject of a disciplinary inquiry as a student, as a member of a professional association or as an employee?  If yes, please describe the general circumstances of the disciplinary inquiry; identify the tribunal (with reference number) and the resolution.  An answer of "yes" will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

3. Have you ever been dismissed or asked to resign from any employment or other position?   If yes, please describe the general circumstances of the dismissal or resignation.  An answer of "yes" will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

4. Has your driver's license ever been suspended or revoked?  If yes, please explain.

5. Have you ever been arrested or charged with any moving violation or traffic related crime?  If yes, please explain.

6. Have you ever been dropped, suspended, expelled, disciplined, or subjected to a disciplinary inquiry or proceeding by any college or law school for any cause whatsoever?  If yes, please explain.

7. Have you ever been a party to any civil proceeding, including bankruptcy or administrative proceeding?  If yes, please explain.

8. Have you ever been charged with fraud or dishonesty in any civil proceeding?  If yes, please explain.

9. Have you had more than five checks dishonored or ever had a check for more than $100 dishonored because of insufficient funds in the past three years?  If yes, please explain.

10. Do you now have any loans, accounts, judgments, or financial obligations of any nature to include child support payments and student loans, past due for payment more than 60 days?  If yes, please explain.

11. Have you ever been charged with contempt of court?  If yes, please explain.

12. Have you ever been accused of dishonesty in connection with employment?  If yes, please explain.

13. Have you ever applied for a license, other than as attorney at law, the procurement of which required proof of "good moral character" (i.e., CPA, patent agent, notary public, real estate broker, physician, nurse)?  If yes, please explain.

14. Have you or anyone you have worked with ever been charged with the unauthorized practice of law as a result of your conduct?  If yes, please explain.

15. Have you or anyone you have worked with ever been sanctioned, censured, reprimanded, disciplined, suspended, disqualified or disbarred as a member of any profession or as a practitioner before any administrative agency as a result of your conduct?   If yes, please explain.

16. Have you ever been suspended or removed from public office because of conduct reflecting adversely upon your character?  If yes, please explain.

17. Have you ever been denied a bond, had a bond revoked, or had anyone seek to recover on or cancel a bond?  If yes, please explain.

18. Have you ever been subject to any disciplinary action in connection with military service?  If yes, please explain.

19. Has anyone to your knowledge ever complained to your law school or other supervising body in connection with your conduct under a student practice or legal intern rule?  If yes, please explain.

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.