Assistant District Attorney

Wayne County NY; Town of Lyons (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne County NY is seeking a full-time District Attorney's Office attorney with strong criminal prosecution experience and jury trial background. The role requires handling misdemeanor and felony cases with independence and professional judgment, including working with law enforcement and court staff.

Qualified applicants will have NY Bar admission and substantial experience in criminal law, trials, and appellate work as needed. Eligibility for admission to the NY Bar is required at appointment.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of criminal law and court proceedings.
• Experience interpreting NY Penal Law and Criminal Procedure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to reason quickly and logically in stressful situations.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts for court presentations.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload at intake, assess facts and determine resolutions.
• Provide legal opinions to law enforcement and coordinate investigations.
• Prosecute cases in local courts, including hearings and plea negotiations.
• Prepare for Grand Jury and present cases with appropriate charges.
• Conduct legal research to stay current on law and rules of evidence.
• Prepare cases for trial, respond to motions, and present in court.
• Try cases, including jury selection, opening, evidence, and closings.
• Handle appeals by briefing and arguing in appellate courts.

Skills

Criminal prosecution experience

Jury trials

Criminal defense experience

Legal research

Court proceedings

Independent judgment

Education

New York Bar admission

Job description

The Wayne County District Attorney’s Office currently has a full-time position available. Ideally candidates would have at least three years of criminal prosecution litigation experience, including jury trials. In the alternative applicants should have at least 3-5 years criminal defense experience including jury trials. Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with and dependent upon the number of years of professional legal experience.

The work involves the prosecution of criminal cases. The incumbent of this position is responsible for the prosecution of violations of criminal law in the County by investigating, preparing, and representing the People in misdemeanor and/or felony cases in criminal court. The work is performed under the general supervision of the District Attorney with appropriate leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in planning and carrying out the details of the work. The incumbent of this position is responsible for handling related work as required.

• Manages assigned cases on intake by examining case file and determining facts and legal issues, makes and assessment of the case and determines appropriate resolution and makes recommendations to the District Attorney;
• Works with law enforcement agencies by providing legal opinions regarding prosecution, which may assist investigation, coordinating activities on particular cases and reviewing application for search warrants;
• Evaluates, prepares and prosecutes cases in local courts by representing the People in violation and misdemeanor cases, presenting legal arguments to magistrates, preparing for and representing the People in felony preliminary hearings and making bail recommendations;
• Prepares cases for Grand Jury presentment, including reviewing and evaluating the available evidence, and interviewing potential witnesses, and determining appropriate charges and legal issues to be presented, and presents cases to the Grand Jury;
• Conducts legal research to determine and maintain an up to date knowledge of the law, evidence and rules necessary to prosecute cases;
• Prepares cases for trial, by researching the law and rules of evidence, by responding to motions, preparing for and representing the People in hearings, re-evaluating the case as needed, discussing the case with the District Attorney, and negotiating plea bargains/resolutions when appropriate;
• Tries cases, including jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence and closing summations;
• Responds appropriately and timely to telephone calls from citizens, agencies and law enforcement agencies;
• Represents the District Attorney’s Office as needed and directed by the District Attorney;
• Handles appeals by writing briefs and arguing appeals at the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals;
• Handles post-judgment motions, including preparing response or briefs and arguing motions.

Thorough knowledge of criminal law and court proceedings and rules of evidence; Can demonstrate a good working ability to interpret and work with New York State Criminal Procedure and Penal Law; Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing; Able to reason quickly and logically in stressful situations; Able to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents in order to render an accurate legal opinion; Able to analyze and organize facts effectively; Able to prepare for and present cases in court; Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Three years of experience practicing in the field of criminal law, at least one year of which must have involved considerable court appearances including jury trials.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS: Eligibility for admission to practice law in the State of New York at time of application for appointment. Admitted to the Bar of the State of New York at time of appointment.