How do I become a district attorney

Question

I want to become a district attorney and want to know what would help my case. I understand the education requirements. I am going to get my Bachelors in Criminal Justice and then my law degree. After that I understand I need to get a job as an assistant district attorney and thats where my question comes in.

What would be a good job to gain experience for this job? I currently work for an insurance company which I doubt is going to do much for me. Should I look for a job as a bailiff? Court clerk? Stick with what I have because it wont matter?

I understand its an elected position, what contacts would I need to be making now?

Would speeding tickets effect my chances?

Would family history?

How long is the typical turnover time from assistant DA until you have a chance of being elected as DA?

Answer 1

There's no assurance that an ADA will move up, although obviously, having been a senior ADA or first assistant is a good resume item. I know D.A.'s who came from private practice. They were well-known, respected, and politically active. I know others who made reputations as prosecutors. They also were politically active and well-connected in the community. It's politics, and everything about you is potentially usable by an opponent.  

Answer 2

You should start by getting active in your local party ie. Dem. or Rep. go to law school and do well there.  It is not a requirement to be an ADA first.  There are many DA's in the country that came from Private Practice.  Phil Berger Jr. DA Rockingham County NC was in private practice and beat an incumbent 2 years ago.  He was only 31 yrs old at the time.  I would suggest contacting him and getting insight on what he did.

Answer 3

Too many variables.  I know a fellow who was elected DA just five years out of law school, but it was a tiny county with a population of about 1000 in the whole county.  You are eligible to file your candidacy the moment you reside in the county and have a license to practice.  Whether the voters would prefer you to others depends on too many variables.