Assistant District Attorney – District Court- New Posting 8/31/26

Plymouth County District Attorney's Office; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Plymouth County District Attorney's Office in Massachusetts seeks an Assistant District Attorney – District Court to prosecute in District Court under the supervision of the Lead ADA of District Court. The role represents the Commonwealth across Plymouth County courts and higher courts when needed, collaborating with law enforcement and victims to pursue justice.

The position requires a Juris Doctorate and MA license, superior advocacy, and the ability to handle time-sensitive matters in a

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Requires excellent communication skills and the ability to foster a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Ability to prioritize time sensitive matters and ensure 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, and willingness to learn new processes and adapt to new guidelines as needed.
• Juris Doctorate and license to practice in MA.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecution in District Court.
• Handling arraignments and related motions such as bail requests, conditions of release, dangerousness hearings, and bail revocation hearings as appropriate.
• Conducting pre-trial hearings, conferences and litigating evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions such as motions for discovery and motions to suppress.
• Collaborate with peers, law enforcement, court personnel, the defense bar, and community partners to balance victim safety with public safety.
• Attend meetings with community and law enforcement partners.
• Review charging decisions and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
• Review evidentiary reports, interview victims and witnesses, prepare discovery, and provide discovery to defense counsel.
• Review case files, statutes, and case law to determine recommendations for case resolution and conference defense counsel.
• Stay current on court decisions and legislation affecting MA law and prepare memoranda as appropriate.
• Interact with victims, defendants, families, and witnesses with kindness and professionalism.
• Manage crises and excel in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Time management

Discretion

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctorate

Massachusetts license to practice

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Assistant District Attorney – District Court

Assistant District Attorney – District Court is an Assistant District Attorney under the general supervision of the Lead Assistant District Attorney of District Court. The Assistant District Attorney – District 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 courts in other counties. The Assistant District Attorney – District Court is an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The Senior Supervising Attorney’s position is covered under the provisions of G.L. c. 268B.

STATUS:

Exempt

SUPERVISES:

N/A

SALARY:

$76,000

SUMMARY:

The Assistant District Attorney – District Court is an Assistant District Attorney under the general supervision of the Lead Assistant District Attorney of District Court. The Assistant District Attorney – District 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 courts in other counties.

The Assistant District Attorney – District Court is an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The Senior Supervising Attorney’s position is covered under the provisions of G.L. c. 268B.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Requires excellent communication skills and the ability to foster a positive, collaborative working environment
• Ability to prioritize time sensitive matters and ensure all deadlines are met
• Self-starter with the following attributes: sharp attention to detail, ability to exercise discretion with confidential information, ability to contribute and work as part of a team, positive attitude, and willingness to learn new processes and adapt to new guidelines as needed
• Juris Doctorate and license to practice in MA

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecution in District Court. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Handling arraignments and corresponding motions such as bail requests, conditions of release, dangerousness hearings, and bail revocation hearings as appropriate.
• Conducting pre-trial hearings, conferences and litigating evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions such as motions for discovery and motions to suppress.
• Work closely with colleagues, victim witness advocates, law enforcement, court personnel, the defense bar, criminal justice agencies, community partners, and the public to ensure successful, holistic approach to prosecution that balances the safety and well-being of the victims, defendants, and communities we serve.
• Attend meetings with our community and law enforcement partners.
• Review charging decisions made by law enforcement agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
• Review evidentiary reports, identify, and interview 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 an appropriate recommendation for case resolution. Conference the same with defense counsel.
• Keep abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting Massachusetts law and prepare written memoranda where appropriate.
• Understand applicable rules, laws, 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, defendants, families, and witnesses with kindness and professionalism.
• Ability to manage crises and excel in high-stress, dynamic, and fast-paced environment while exhibiting a calm, professional demeanor.

In addition to these above responsibilities the Assistant District Attorney – District Court is required:

• To be familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Plymouth District Attorney’s Office Personnel Policies
• To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions
• Collaborate with peers to maximize productivity and produce the highest outcomes
• To communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law
• To interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and Office staff
• To complete work assignments in a timely manner
• To complete general administrative duties to include, filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.
• Perform any other duties at any jobsite as may from time to time be assigned to her/him by the District Attorney, or the Second Assistant District Attorney or other designee of the District Attorney

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Lift boxes up to 20 lbs.

TRAVEL:

Occasional local travel to various sites, including courthouses and offsite agencies.

EEO STATEMENT:

The PCDAO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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 are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR at [phone].

[1] The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied Contract of Employment.