Thank you for your interest in joining the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), the premier force for restoring safety and justice in California. Being a prosecutor is one of the most fulfilling and noble paths for those with a law degree. Every day, our dedicated prosecutors rise to the challenge, defending the most vulnerable victims in our community.
Our office is home to some of the finest Deputy District Attorneys in California—many of whom began their heroic journeys as student workers, legal interns, or graduate law clerks. The County of Orange and OCDA are committed to fostering a vibrant, service-oriented culture that champions collaboration and partnership, while encouraging creativity and innovation.
The diverse community we protect is mirrored in our extraordinary team, from our student workers and interns to every employee and leader in our ranks. We invite you to explore the exciting opportunities within our office and hear from the incredible individuals who make the Orange County DA’s Office a truly exceptional place to work. Join us in the fight for justice!
Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney
The County of Orange make every effort to support our employees and their families through family leave benefits. We offer paid vacation, sick time day, flexible work schedules, and Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation to ensure that every employee maintains a healthy work-life balance.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance of federal student loans for eligible borrowers after they’ve made 120 qualifying payments and worked full-time in public service for at least 10 years.
The County of Orange is home to 3.2 million residents and welcomes over 50 million visitors annually. Our dedicated workforce of more than 16,000 individuals contributes their skills across 22 departments, making Orange County the perfect place to live, work, and enjoy leisure activities. We are committed to the belief that our employees are essential to delivering outstanding public service—when you join the County of Orange, you embark on a career that truly makes a difference.
Become part of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, where camaraderie feels like family.
Here, you’ll find unwavering support, encouragement, and the freedom to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Seize the opportunity to engage in dynamic office-wide events and programs that strengthen our bonds and empower teamwork. Together, we stand united in our mission to serve our community!
. Mental Health Support
. Lunch Time Crafting
. Meal Prep Demos
. Stress Management Classes
. Financial Management Classes
. Eligible employees may request up to twenty-four (24) hours leave with pay once per fiscal year in a manner prescribed by the department.
. Find a better commute with our Rideshare Program. Packed with resources, incentive programs, and more, the Rideshare Program makes it easier to get to work.
Orange County Assistant District Attorney Brock Zimmon sat down with Cal Lawyer and other district attorney offices to talk about what it takes to become a prosecutor – and what it takes to become an Orange County District Attorney prosecutor. Watch the full webinar here
If a position is not available at this moment, individuals can sign up to receive job alert notifications by visiting the Job Interest Alert Notification Website.
Be a a champion for safety and justice in Orange County! Together, we can forge a community where public safety thrives and justice prevails. We seek brave and qualified individuals from all walks of life—those whose diverse backgrounds and experiences will help cultivate an inclusive environment committed to serving the people of California. Stand with us in this vital endeavor to protect and uplift our community! Hear directly from some of our Deputy District Attorneys by clicking here.
The Office of the District Attorney, Law Clerk-Intern Program, is presently recruiting students to fulfill volunteer clerkship positions within the office for the Spring 2025 term. Successful candidates will be placed in one of nineteen different prosecutorial units where they will work under the guidance of one or more experienced attorneys while they perform a variety of tasks related to the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. The responsibilities, duties, and assignments will vary based on the needs of each individualized unit, but will typically involve: legal research, drafting legal briefs or oppositions to be filed in court, review of criminal case files and police reports, review and memorialization of various types of discovery, exhibit organization, attending and observing court proceedings, various tasks associated with assisting a deputy district attorney in preparation of trials, hearings, and motions. Law clerks who become certified with the State Bar of California may be given opportunities to conduct preliminary hearings or argue motions in court.
Offered in partnership with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Chapman University Fowler School of Law Criminal Prosecution Clinic allows upper level students exploring careers in advocacy, litigation, and criminal law a unique opportunity to assist with actual cases under the supervision of an Assistant District Attorney. The classroom component of the clinic is taught by the Chief Assistant District Attorney, and students then work directly with Assistant District Attorneys in the courtroom, assisting in the prosecution of felonies and misdemeanors.
The District Attorney’s Office seeks current college/university/law school students for unpaid legal internships. Duties will vary depending upon qualifications and academic level of the applicant. Interns will work with trial attorneys, investigators, investigative assistants and paralegals. Assignments may include the following: Organize discovery and index information, assist with research projects, utilizing library resources and the Internet, gather and analyze data and facts as needed to support investigations, completion of assignments that require faxing, photocopying, typing, etc. Interested students are invited to view the recruitment information at the link below.
The District Attorney’s Office opens the Fellowship Recruitment in September each year. The Fellowship recruitment is open to all 3L students who are expected to graduate in May and will take the July California Bar Exam. The Fellowship Term begins in August. The purpose of the Fellowship Program is to provide significant work experience and professional development in an entry-level legal position. Fellows receive monetary merit-based compensation with work requirement. Up to 12 fellowship positions are available yearly. Duties of an OCDA Fellow are similar to those of a misdemeanor Deputy DA. Discover more about the Graduate Law Clerk Program and how to apply by clicking the link below.
The Trial Attorney Partnership (TAP) program provides attorneys the unique opportunity to prosecute crimes on a volunteer basis. Participants are deputized as Deputy District Attorneys and handle all aspects of misdemeanor criminal prosecution from filing of misdemeanor complaints to jury trials. Participates will receive intensive training on prosecutorial skills and work full time as prosecutors for eight weeks starting August 10th. Please apply by July 15th.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office – Bureau of Investigation supports the prosecutorial and law enforcement endeavors of the District Attorney. It provides a wide range of policing services tasked with suppressing crime and ensuring all criminal cases filed in Orange County are thoroughly investigated.
The Orange County District Attorney represents the People of the State of California in criminal and civil proceedings, serves the court and criminal justice system, and the Orange County Grand Jury. The mission of the Office of the Orange County District Attorney is to enhance public safety and welfare and to protect and respect crime victims and to create security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner. The Office consists of three major divisions: Legal, Investigative Bureau, and Administration.
The Orange County District Attorney is seeking a Deputy District Attorney IV to prepare and litigate complex and serious cases (primarily felonies) before the Superior and Appellate Courts. The assignment may be in our Felony units throughout the office or at any of our various locations or units based on the Department’s needs. This is an in-person assignment, and the duties cannot be performed remotely/virtually.
Tucked into Southern California, Orange County is a vibrant haven of adventure and excitement.
The coastal views are unmatched and there’s always something going on in one of the many cities in this region. Immerse yourself in a wealth of outdoor attractions and experiences, all set against a backdrop of glorious weather that invites you to embrace the spirit of exploration. Here, the beauty of nature and the thrill of community unite to create an extraordinary place to call home!
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is located in the heart of Santa Ana, within Orange County. Employees appreciate the convenience of being close to some of Southern California’s top attractions; the distances listed below indicate the proximity from the OCDA office to these locations.
With its excellent school districts, numerous parks, and family-friendly activities, Orange County is an is a flourishing sanctuary for children to grow and thrive.
This vibrant and diverse community nurtures a profound sense of belonging and inclusion for all. Well-maintained public spaces come alive with cultural events and recreational programs designed for every age group, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The stunning beaches and scenic hiking trails offer boundless opportunities for outdoor adventures and the creation of cherished memories. Here, the charm of a close-knit community harmonizes with the conveniences of modern living, making Orange County a remarkable place to call home. All of this is made possible through the unwavering dedication of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, committed to safeguarding and enhancing public safety for everyone!
