Assistant District Attorney

Montgomery County, PA; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County, PA is seeking an Assistant District Attorney to ensure fair prosecution of a range of criminal cases from investigation through appeal. The role involves significant trial advocacy and building relationships with victims and law enforcement to facilitate just resolutions.

The ideal candidate will have a law degree, Pennsylvania bar admission, and be well-versed in the legal standards applicable to prosecutors, demonstrating excellent communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Analytical skills with strong decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Familiarity with District Attorney office policies.

Responsibilities

• Review investigations to determine sufficient evidence for prosecution.
• Conduct preliminary hearings before judges.
• Manage caseload and time effectively.
• Prepare cases for trial, including witness preparation.
• Review and assess cases for plea bargaining.
• Perform legal research and draft motions.

Skills

Good communication skills

Strong decision-making skills

Analytical skills

Research and writing skills

Trial advocacy skills

Knowledge of the criminal justice system

Knowledge of Pennsylvania legal standards

Ability to multi-task

Education

Law degree

Pennsylvania bar admission

Job description

Summary

Assistant District Attorneys assume responsibility for fair and ethical prosecution of a variety of crimes. Trials Assistant District Attorneys take on the cases from the time an investigation begins through post‑sentence motions, and Appellate Assistant District Attorneys take over the cases following the post‑sentence motions and continue throughout the pendency of the appellate process. Trials Assistants specialize in the kind of crime they prosecute and are assigned to units in the areas of Family Protection, Narcotics, Firearms, Economic Crimes, Major Crimes, and community protection units for Norristown and Pottstown. They handle a wide variety of criminal prosecutions, from misdemeanors to complex felonies, including homicides. They also assist police departments and maintain relationships with community partners, and are responsible for interacting with victims to ensure their rights are protected and informed during the process. Appellate Assistants handle all post‑conviction cases, conduct legal research, litigate post‑conviction hearings in the Court of Common Pleas, and regularly argue cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review investigations to determine whether sufficient credible evidence exists to initiate prosecution.
• Review search warrants for probable cause and identify any possible issues in their execution.
• Present search warrants with the investigating officer 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 readiness to move to plea bargaining and/or trial: review discovery to assess strength and credibility of evidence; determine whether additional investigative steps are needed; ensure discovery is passed in a timely and thorough manner; review sentencing guidelines; and speak to victim and/or investigating officers to understand their perspective and wishes for the case.
• Assess and make just, appropriate plea offers to resolve cases by way of guilty plea.
• Negotiate appropriate and fair case resolutions by communicating professionally and frequently with defense attorneys.
• 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 motions.
• Prepare case for trial by conducting witness preparation 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 the assigned courtroom 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 responsibility requires quickly answering emails and calls from police officers at any time of day or night, assessing who the question should be presented to for quick response, and facilitating communications between the officer and the appropriate supervisor; also field requests for search warrant review and submission and preliminary hearing assistance and ensure timely response.
• Collect, submit, and accurately document Common Pleas search warrants and court orders for the office approximately monthly.
• Engage in community building activities, including community education events and meetings with community‑based partners on a regular basis.
• Receive and complete assignments on an ongoing basis such as consulting with Adult Probation Department, Pre‑Trial Services, and various law‑enforcement agencies.

Qualification Requirements

• Law degree and Pennsylvania bar admission.
• Good communication 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 office structure, mission, and policies.

Ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks.

Time‑management skills.

Physical Demands

The position requires regular standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing. The employee must occasionally use hands to handle or feel objects, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

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

Benefits

Benefits: https://www.montcopa.org/4056/Employee-Benefits