• Application Opening: September 28, 2022
• Application Filing Deadline: Could close at any time, but not before October 11, 2022

Appointment Type

Please note, this grant-funded position is a Permanent Exempt (PEX) position currently authorized until September 1, 2024 under the County Resentencing Pilot Program. Renewal of the PEX position after this date would be determined on an annual basis.

Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104.13. Any person occupying a position under exempt appointment shall not be subject to civil service selection, appointment, and removal procedures. Exempt employees shall serve at the discretion of the appointing officer.

Department Background 

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office is one of the premier law enforcement organizations in the United States.  Our mission is to collaborate with the City’s diverse communities and law enforcement agencies to make San Francisco one of the safest cities in America.  Our office engages in public education and crime prevention efforts while maintaining the traditional role of investigating, charging, and prosecuting all criminal violations occurring within the City and County of San Francisco.  The unparalleled opportunities for challenging, meaningful, and sophisticated work have consistently drawn top candidates to our office over the years.

This PEX 8173 Legal Assistant position will provide paralegal support to the SFDA Post Conviction Review Unit, specifically in regard to resentencing.  The PCRU is responsible for reviewing and acting upon petitions for resentencing relief.  The SFDA received a grant for a two-year pilot project, focusing on Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing (PIR). The goal of the funding is to support California District Attorney offices as they identify and facilitate prison releases of people whose continued incarceration is deemed to be no longer in the interest of justice.

The Office is seeking a PEX 8173 Legal Assistant to support the Post Conviction Review Unit (PCRU), consisting of approximately 4 attorneys, to perform paralegal work with a high volume of complex sensitive matters.

As part of the PCRU team, the 8173’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Case work up, case preparation and support including preparing binders, exhibits, PowerPoint presentations, trial equipment set-up, etc.
• Process and produce discovery including Bates stamping, redaction, and scanning documents, reproduction of audio files and preparation of discovery receipts.
• Prepare and package appropriate documents for court hearings as needed
• Assist with drafting correspondence and help facilitate and track all incoming requests, upcoming hearings and dispositions.
• Work with all justice partners to include CDCR, Department of Adult Parole Operations, Superior Court, Public Defender and private defense bar.
• Gather case statistics and enter data into case management system.
• Respond to requests and correspondence from other jurisdictions as needed.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and techniques of governmental organization and management, specifically in the area of criminal justice.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles and techniques of economic and policy analysis.
• Advanced Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations affecting criminal justice reform.
• Advanced Knowledge of principles involved in the development and implementation of complex systems and procedures.
• Ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze a wide variety of information;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with senior management, officials, departmental representatives, vendors, or other agencies;
• Ability to negotiate effectively;
• Skill to prepare and present written reports, memos, presentations, and detailed statistical reports, including charts, graphs, and exhibits to law enforcement partners and decision-makers.
• Organizational ability to manage multiple projects, meets deadlines and expectations and objectively weigh resources and time bandwidth of current and upcoming responsibilities.
• Communication ability to effectively formulate reports and recommendations, provide presentations, and work collaboratively with internal and external partners including law enforcement professionals and decision-makers.

Completion of a certificated Paralegal Studies curriculum approved by the American Bar Association

Substitution: The education as described above may be substituted by one of the following:

• Possession of an associate (AA) degree from an accredited college or university AND six (6) months of law-related work experience; OR
• Completion of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of law-related courses from a postsecondary institution that has been accredited by the American Bar Association or by a national/regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education; OR
• Two (2) years of paralegal or law-related work experience under the direct supervision of an attorney

Notes:

1. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.
2. One year full-time experience is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40 hours work week.). Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time experience.

NOTE - CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: SECURITY CLEARANCE

Security clearance is required as a condition of employment. Candidates for employment with the District Attorney’s Office are required to undergo a background investigation to determine suitability for employment in the classification and department.  Failure to maintain security clearance may be the basis for termination from employment with the District Attorney’s Office.

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website.

Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.