Assistant District Attorney

About the role

Summary Assistant District Attorneys assume responsibility for fair and ethical prosecution of a variety of crimes, with Trials Assistant District Attorneys taking on the cases from the time an investigation begins through post-sentence motions, and Appellate Assistant District Attorneys taking over the cases following the post-sentence motions and continuing throughout the pendency of the appellate process.

Responsibilities

• Review investigations to determine whether sufficient credible evidence exists to initiate prosecution;
• Review search warrants for probable cause and to identify any possible issues in their execution;
• Present search warrants with their investigating officers to judges within the Court of Common Pleas where necessary;
• Conduct preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judges;
• Build relationships with victims and victim services agencies early in the life of the case to ensure adequate communication is maintained and the victim's wishes are heard and considered;
• Review cases to determine whether they are ready to move to plea bargaining and/or trial: review discovery to determine the strength and credibility of evidence; assess whether additional investigative steps are needed; ensure discovery is passed in a timely and thorough manner; review relevant sentencing guidelines; and speak to victim and/or investigating officers to hear and understand their perspective and wishes for the case;
• Assess and make just, appropriate plea offers to resolve cases by way of guilty plea.
• Research, draft, file, and litigate pretrial and post-trial motions, including motions in limine, motions to revoke or increase bail, responses to motions to suppress, responses to post-trial motions, and other case-area specific motion.
• Prepare case for trial by conducting witness preparation prior to hearings and preparing trial exhibits;
• Try cases before judges and juries by delivering compelling, well-reasoned opening and closing arguments, directing Commonwealth witnesses, and cross-examining defense witnesses;
• Conduct sentencing hearings during which Commonwealth evidence and victim impact testimony is proffered to support well-articulated arguments for just sentences;
• Manage time and caseload to ensure all responsibilities are met while frequently adapting to a changing schedule, new deadlines, and additional responsibilities;
• Attend and participate in pre-trial conferences for assigned courtroom for approximately one week each month; staff a busy courtroom, ensure negotiations with attorneys move efficiently, conduct negotiated guilty plea hearings, and address concerns related to each case and its anticipated disposition with the Court;
• Take On-Call responsibility for one week at a time, several times per year. This On-Call responsibility requires that the Assistant District Attorney quickly answer emails and calls from police officers at any time of day or night. The On-Call Attorney then assesses who the question should be presented to for quick response and facilitates communications between the law enforcement officer and the appropriate supervisor. The-On Call Attorney also fields requests for search warrant review and submission and preliminary hearing assistance and ensures those requests are responded to quickly and appropriately;
• Collect, submit, and accurately document Common Pleas search warrants and court orders for the office on an approximately monthly basis;
• Engage in community building activities including community education events and meetings with community-based partners on a regular basis;
• Receive and complete assignments on ongoing basis such as consulting with Adult Probation Department, Pre-Trial Services, and various law enforcement agencies.

Qualifications

• Law Degree and Pennsylvania Bar admission;
• Good communications skills, both oral and written;
• Strong decision-making skills;
• Analytical skills;
• Research and writing skills;
• Trial advocacy skills;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system;
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania legal and ethical standards applicable to prosecutors;
• Familiarity with District Attorney’s Office structure, mission and policies;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks;
• Time management skills.

Physical Demands

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

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