How to Become a Deputy District Attorney
A deputy district attorney is an elected or appointed government employee who represents the interests of the government when prosecuting criminal offenses. Below district attorneys are deputy district attorneys who work at both the federal and state levels. To become a deputy distinct attorney, you must hold a law degree, called a Juris Doctorate, take and pass your state's bar exam to become a licensed attorney and be appointed or elected as a judge. The process to become a district attorney is different, depending on the jurisdiction, with local rules governing the process.
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Instructions
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Earn a Juris Doctorate. This is the law degree you must have before you can become any kind of licensed attorney. The Juris Doctorate is received after the undergraduate degree, typically after an additional three-year course of study. The American Bar Association accredits law schools in the United States.
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Take and pass your state's bar examination. To practice law in any state, you need to take that state's bar exam, a multi-day test that ascertains your mastery of state law and larger legal principles. However, you do not have to take the bar exam in the same state where you attended law school. Being admitted to practice law in a state is contingent on both passing the bar exam and passing a background check, and in many cases, on also passing the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam. This test, abbreviated "MPRE," is a 60-question, two-hour and five-minute multiple choice test that focuses on ethics.
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Establish strong ties with the community where you hope to become a deputy district attorney. This puts you in constant contact with local issues and can provide contacts to help you get appointed or elected. In the process, you will gain understanding of the local rules governing how to become a deputy district attorney.
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Get appointed or elected as a deputy district attorney. Either a state or local governing commission makes the appointment, or the mayor, governor, or town/county manager, or you win a general election. The rules depend upon the state and specific jurisdiction.
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Maintain your continuing education credits. A deputy district attorney is required to take a certain number of courses each year to maintain membership in the state Bar. You must report these continuing education credits to the Bar in which you practice. Some states may waive continuing education credits for judges, but please consult your local Bar association for clarification, because each state is different.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn the procedures for your specific locale, as the rules differ by municipality.
