Salary : $81,850.73 - $99,490.09 Annually
Location : Contra Costa County, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: 2Y7B-2025A
Department: County-Wide
Opening Date: 08/29/2025
Closing Date: 9/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: ZB

The Position
Bargaining Unit: Local 21
Contra Costa County District Attorney's office is seeking highly motivated Legal Assistant candidates with a strong ability to understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Legal Assistants in Contra Costa County provide confidential specialized legal and other complex technical and paraprofessional assistance. Incumbents in this classification will assist on various assignments with a team who are passionate about the clients they serve.

Other departments throughout the County may use the eligible list from this recruitment to fill future vacancies as well.
About District Attorney's Office:

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is committed to seeking justice and enhancing public safety for all our residents. To achieve this, we work tirelessly to determine the best outcome for all parties in the criminal justice system by ethically and responsibly considering each case.

Please look on our website for descriptions of other departments throughout the County that may have vacancies in the future:
We are looking for someone who is:

• an issue spotter and problem solver as it pertains to all facts and data;
• an active communicator that presents information clearly and in an organized manner;
• proficient with computer equipment and applications;
• constantly staying current on relevant laws and regulations and ensures practice conforms to them;
• committed to maintaining high level of care, thoroughness, focus and quality under pressure; and
• interested in understanding the needs, expectations, and circumstances of all clients.

Depending on assignment, you may be responsible for:

• Preparing routine legal documents and other paperwork, including drafts of legal motions, points and authorities, declarations, affidavits, etc. for review, approval, and use by a deputy district attorney
• Collecting and analyzing data for deputy district attorney administrative reports
• Searching and obtains recorded documents and court records as requested by district attorney investigators and deputy district attorneys
• Assisting attorneys in preparation, litigation, and at trial
• Interviewing Public Defender clients in the local jails and in the courts to screen them for eligibility
• Preparing legal documents, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will work in a team environment with supportive colleagues that adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• You will perform varied assignments in a challenging environment with specialized responsibilities
• You will work with dedicated attorneys who are passionate about the clients they serve
• Every day brings a new challenge

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Heavy workload; handling several cases at once
• High expectations without much turnaround time
• The emotional strain of being involved with your clients and their case outcomes
• Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

To read the complete job description, please visit the website

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months. Other departments throughout the County may use the eligible list from this recruitment to fill future vacancies as well.
Minimum Qualifications

License: Specified positions will be required to possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. An out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education & Experience:

1. Successful completion of an approved paralegal training program. OR

1. Successful completion of the first year at an accredited school of law. OR

1. Possession of a Bachelor's degree or an advanced degree in any subject and a minimum of one year of full-time attorney supervised* law-related experience in a public or private law office. OR

1. Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate AND Three (3) years of full-time or its equivalent attorney supervised* law-related experience in a public or private law office. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003, per the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450.

*Note: Attorney supervised law-related experience must be verified with a written declaration from that attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks; The supervising and declaring attorney must be an active member of the California Bar for at least the preceding three (3) years or have practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the preceding three (3) years.

Other Requirements: This classification is required to furnish personal transportation which will be reimbursed according to County policy.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in a legal setting for a public agency
• Bilingual communication skills, to speak, read and writing in other languages

Selection Process

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Legal Assistant Multiple Choice Exam: Candidates who clearly demonstrate that they possess the required minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a Legal Assistant Multiple Choice Exam.The exam is designed to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Legal Assistant classification; these may include, but are not limited to: Professional & Technical Expertise; Critical Thinking; Attention to Detail; Handling Stress; Listening; Informing; Teamwork; Valuing Diversity; Self-Management; Professional Integrity and Ethics; Reading Comprehension and/or Writing. (Weighted 100%)The Legal Assistant Multiple Choice Exam is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) between September 23, 2025 through September 28, 2025.

The assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. It is not recommended to take the assessment using a cell phone.

If you apply for another recruitment that uses this exam and the test is scheduled within 6 months of the date you took the test this time, you will not have the option to re-take the exam.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Austin Wagers at [email protected]. For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to
01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the Legal Assistant position and to assist Human Resources staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."

• I understand

02

Do you possess a valid California driver's license or out-of-state valid motor vehicle operator's license?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select how you meet the minimum qualifications.

• Successful completion of an approved paralegal training program.
• Successful completion of the first year at an accredited school of law.
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or an advanced degree in any subject and a minimum of one year of full-time attorney supervised* law-related experience in a public or private law office
• Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate AND three (3) years of full-time or its equivalent attorney supervised* law-related experience in a public or private law office. (This experience and training was completed no later than December 31, 2003 per the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450)
• I do not qualify for this position.

04

I understand if I qualify with a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate AND have three (3) years of full-time or its equivalent attorney supervised law-related experience in a public or private law office that I MUST submit a written declaration from that attorney stating that I am qualified to perform paralegal tasks. The supervising and declaring attorney must be an active member of the California Bar for at least the preceding three (3) years or have practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the preceding three (3) years.This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003, per the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450.

• I understand
• Does not apply to me as I qualified under a different option.

05

I understand if I qualify with a Bachelor's degree or an advanced degree in any subject AND a minimum of one year of full-time attorney supervised* law-related experience in a public or private law office that I MUST submit a written declaration from that attorney stating that I am qualified to perform paralegal tasks. The supervising and declaring attorney must be an active member of the California Bar for at least the preceding three (3) years or have practiced in the federal courts of California for at least the preceding three (3) years.

• I understand
• Does not apply to me as I qualified under a different option.

06

I understand that if I do not attach a copy of the written declaration my application will be rejected.

• I understand
• Does not apply to me as I qualify under a different option.

07

If you qualified under successful completion of an approved paralegal training program or successfully completed the first year at an accredited school of law please provide the name of the organization or school. Type n/a if you qualified under a different option.
08

I understand that I may be required to provide the hiring department with a copy of my transcripts or certificate.

• I understand

09

I understand that this classification is required to furnish personal transportation which will be reimbursed according to County policy.

• I understand

10

What type of positions would you like to be considered? Indicate all that apply.

• Permanent Full-Time (Regularly scheduled 40 hours per week, full fringe benefits)
• Permanent Part-Time (Regularly scheduled less than 40 hours per week; prorated vacation, sick leave; eligible for medical/dental benefits; retirement plan)
• Temporary - Limited Term Employment (A limited period of time, paid on an hourly basis, eligible for paid time off if assignment exceeds one (1) year)
• Permanent Intermittent (Irregular, unscheduled employment on an on-call or per diem basis, paid hourly; must be available to work every other weekend; scheduled for one major and three minor holidays. Prorated vacation and sick leave; medical coverage available wholly at employee's expense)

11

Some positions may require the use of Spanish language fluency. Please indicate your Spanish language fluency.You may be required to pass a bilingual examination prior to placement in this position.

• I am fluent in Spanish, and I would like to be referred for positions that require the use of my Spanish language skills.
• I am not fluent in Spanish, and I would not like to be referred for positions that require the use of my Spanish language skills.

12

If placed on the hiring list, mark the boxes next to the departments you want to be referred to. You will only be referred to the departments you select. Check all that apply.

• County Counsel
• District Attorney
• Public Defender
• All Departments

13

By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process, or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.

• I agree

Required Question