Tips from the Bar: Deputy District Attorney James D. Koerber

Deputy District Attorney James D. Koerber has served as a public servant in California for almost 40 years. First, he served as a Deputy District Attorney in Riverside County. He then went on to advocate for San Diegans as a Deputy District Attorney for over 35 years. He currently works at the Major Violator Unit in the Superior Court Division of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. As a veteran prosecutor, he epitomizes what it means to be a public servant.

Coming to California

While attending the University of Illinois College of Law, Jim worked two jobs. He worked at a small legal firm which offered vital legal experience, but he also gained vital interpersonal skills from his job as a waiter. After graduation, he passed the Illinois Bar Exam, packed his car, and made his way to the Golden State. After passing the California Bar Exam, on the first try no less, he began working in the Indio and Palm Springs area as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney. Seeking new opportunities, he made his way to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, where he has remained ever since.

From New Lawyer to Seasoned Prosecutor

Jim attributes his early successes in handling complex cases to the same basic skill that he relies upon today: breaking the case into smaller, more manageable elements and chunks. In doing so, says Jim, “the cases don’t seem so intimidating”. Prioritizing your time, as well as remembering to take a break, are also crucial to being a successful practitioner, no matter the field. With such a long tenure, Jim has had a front seat to the numerous changes in state law and criminal reform. From the “tough on crime” laws of the ‘80s and ‘90s to the more recent criminal justice reforms, the focus has remained the same. “It isn’t about the verdict”, says Jim, “it’s about seeing someone experiencing the worst point in their life and taking them through the legal process, helping them understand it, and serving as their advocate”. The bottom line is to help and protect the public.

Remaining Humble

It would be easy to expect someone with such a wealth of experience to have an inflated ego. But, even after practicing for over four decades, Jim has remembered the importance of remaining humble. He remembers to never talk down to anyone. Whether advocating for a victim in a courtroom or meeting with a client in your office, “you must be a good listener — even to opposing counsel”.

Advice for New Lawyers

Drawing from his experience working in the legal field, DDA Koerber offers the following advice to new lawyers:

First, do not allow your ego to take over as “a little humility goes a long way”. Harkening back to being a good listener, nobody is better than anyone else. Your peers want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to take on something new or outside of your comfort zone. Be a good researcher and do the legwork.

Network. Network. Network. Go to events, share experiences, and get involved. Gain different perspectives by meeting other practitioners. Luckily, the SDCBA offers numerous networking opportunities each month.

New lawyers should seek out a mentor early on and cultivate that relationship. Find someone that you can trust and go to for advice. Draw on their knowledge; no two experiences are ever the same. There is no such thing as a bad question. There is no clear-cut path to success in law, and we only learn by doing.

Lastly, “ask for less; give back more!” As the President of San Diegans Against Crime, Jim advocates for Deputy District Attorneys across the county. Jim advises new lawyers to get involved in the community and give back early. Stay engaged and stay involved — advocacy doesn’t end at the end of the workday.