In a significant shift of legal leadership within Alameda County, former Judge Ursula Jones Dickson assumed her new role as the county's District Attorney. California Appeals Court Judge Charles Smiley administered Dickson the oath of office in a ceremony attended by her peers, friends, family, and a consortium of past and present Alameda County DA's office employees, thereby marking the commencement of her incumbency, as per the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
The investiture ceremony, which was notably attended by an array of supporters, saw Dickson outlining her vision for the DA's office, where she returns after a judicial stint. "We need to get back to business. That just means, for me, that we keep the main thing, the main thing," DA Ursula Jones Dickson told reporters during a press conference that reaffirmed a commitment to public safety and victim rights "We will do the work of a District Attorney and in addition to that, hopefully facilitate other things in the community, but we have to do what the community is asking us to do first," as her mandate to re-prioritize foundational responsibilities of her office was articulated as reported by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
Before her appointment, Dickson plied her trade within the very corridors of the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, starting as a Deputy District Attorney in 1998 and serving until 2013. Her legal acumen was recognized with an appointment to the bench at the Alameda County Superior Court by Governor Jerry Brown, where she served for twelve years.
Her ascendancy to the position of District Attorney comes from former DA Pamela Price's recall by voters in November 2024, following which Dickson emerged from a robust field of 15 contenders. Her selection culminated in a thorough process incorporating community voices through public hearings. The Board of Supervisors subsequently confirmed her for the role, as detailed through a social media post from Alameda County DA, "Ursula Jones Dickson Sworn in as #AlamedaCountyDA by California Appeals Court Judge Charles Smiley. Board of Sups Chamber filled with family, friends, community members, current & former colleagues."
Ursula Jones Dickson Sworn in as #AlamedaCountyDA by California Appeals Court Judge Charles Smiley. Board of Sups Chamber filled with family, friends, community members, current & former colleagues. pic.twitter.com/FSp6XXYsVg
— ACDAO (@AlamedaCountyDA) February 19, 2025
