Assistant District Attorney-Homicide Superior Court

About the role

The Assistant District Attorney – Superior Court represents the Commonwealth in accordance with the District Attorney's statutory authority in the various courts in Plymouth County, the Supreme Judicial Court, the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County, the Appeals Court, and at times courts in other counties. This position is covered under the provisions of G.L. c. 268B.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecutions
• Review and assess materials forwarded from District Court for indictment consideration
• Conduct grand jury investigations
• Handle arraignments and corresponding motions such as bail requests, conditions of release, dangerousness hearings, and bail revocation hearings in all courts (including Juvenile, District and Superior Court as appropriate)
• Handle pre-trial hearings, conferences and litigate the full range of evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions
• Handle trials, pleas, sentencing, and post-conviction matters
• Serve in an "on-call capacity" as needed
• Mentor District Court ADAs
• Work closely with colleagues, office staff, victim witness advocates, law enforcement officers, court personnel, criminal justice agencies, community partners, and the public to ensure an ethical, effective, fair, and professional approach to prosecution
• Attend meetings with community and law enforcement partners
• Review charging decisions made by law enforcement agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed
• Review all forms of documentary materials, interact with victims and witnesses, prepare discovery, and provide discovery to defense counsel
• Review case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, and determine appropriate recommendations for case resolution; conference the same with the Second Assistants
• Keep abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting Massachusetts law and prepare written memoranda where appropriate
• Maintain a solid command of all applicable rules, laws, court procedures, statutes and guidelines, including the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence, and the mandates of the Victims' Bill of Rights
• Interact with victims, witnesses, and members of the public with compassion and professionalism
• Manage crises and excel in high-stress, dynamic, and fast-paced environments while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor
• Be familiar with and follow the provisions of the Plymouth District Attorney's Office Personnel Policies
• Participate in trainings relevant to Office functions
• Collaborate with peers to maximize productivity and produce the highest outcomes
• Communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law
• Interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and Office staff
• Complete work assignments in a timely manner
• Use computers, telephones, multi-media and other technology competently
• Respond to crime scenes or other outdoor duties when required
• Pick up, carry, and transport multiple case files to and from courtroom; transport and use laptop computer and cellphone to conduct work
• Complete general administrative duties including filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.
• Perform any other duties at any jobsite as may from time to time be assigned by the District Attorney, or the First Assistant District Attorney or other designee of the District Attorney
• Work regularly in courthouse setting the hours needed to accomplish the job tasks successfully; available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when necessary, depending on 'on-call' duties or other assignments

Qualifications

• Must have experience prosecuting homicides as either a first or second chair
• Significant trial experience (pre-trial motions, bench trials, jury trials)
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to share and provide information in a clear, articulate, and timely manner
• Commitment to fostering and contributing to a positive, collaborative working environment
• Ability to prioritize time sensitive matters and ensure that all deadlines are met
• Self-starter with sharp attention to detail, ability to exercise discretion with confidential information, ability to contribute and work as part of a team, positive attitude, willingness to learn new processes and adapt to new procedures and protocols as needed
• Interviewing and presentation skills
• Able to deal with stressful, emotional situations related to crimes
• Able to deal with victims, offenders, family members, supporters, defense counsel, judges, probation, community members and more
• Able to interact positively and productively as a team member with internal team members and all other persons involved in the criminal process, including judges, attorneys, police officers, witnesses and victims from all walks of life
• Able to juggle multiple cases, multiple tasks and competing priorities in a stressful environment
• Able to respond to complex practical situations and legal issues quickly, thoroughly and accurately
• Juris Doctorate and license to practice in Massachusetts

Salary: $80,000.00

Internal and external applicants, as well as position incumbents, must be able to perform the essential core tasks either with or without the assistance of a reasonable accommodation (to be determined by the District Attorney's Office on a case-by-case basis). If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR at (508) 894-2538.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.