Assistant District Attorney- Forensic Science Task Force

Philly; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Assistant District Attorney for the Forensic Science Task Force. This pivotal role involves leading forensic testing initiatives, supervising coordinators, and ensuring compliance with evolving forensic standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in criminal law, particularly in forensic science, and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. Join a dynamic team committed to justice and innovation in the legal field, where your expertise will directly impact the community and enhance the effectiveness of forensic investigations.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• 5+ years of experience as a criminal attorney required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Forensic Testing Coordinators and manage forensic analysis requests.
• Collaborate with DAO and Office of Forensic Science to resolve evidence issues.

Skills

Criminal Law

Forensic Science

Trial Experience

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Microsoft Office

Problem Solving

Education

Law Degree

Tools

DAOCMS

Premier One (P1)

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Position:Assistant District Attorney- Forensic Science Task Force

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Job Id:368

# of Openings:1

Position: Forensic Science Task Force Assistant District Attorney

Unit: Forensic Science Task Force

Summary of Job

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is seeking an Assistant District Attorney to lead the Forensics Science Task Force. This position involves the supervision of the Forensic Testing Coordinator(s) and is at the frontlines with creating DAO policies and processes which improve the evaluation, timing, and processing of requests for forensic testing and analysis. The candidate will also need to stay up to date with developments in forensic science and surrounding case law to ensure that ADAs are making appropriate and timely requests for analysis and are admitting evidence that meets current scientific and legal standards. The District Attorney's Office provides an exciting alternative to employment at a private law firm.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervises the Forensics Testing Coordinator(s) and assists them in handling ADA inquiries that are require specialized knowledge about forensics. These questions can range from determining what forensic analysis should be requested for a given case after a review of case materials to determining whether the analysis on a case should be expedited.
• Supervise the Forensic Testing Coordinator(s). Collaborate in managing and updating all OFS reports, testing forms, and writing processes that are vital to DAO Staff submitting accurate requests to have forensic evidence tested in criminal cases.
• Serve as the point of contact for OFS (Lab Managers, Unit Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors, Examiners/Analysts, Drug Destruction). Oversee the email communications submitted to each DAO email inbox for the 4 primary disciplines at OFS (DNA, GSR, FIU, and Drug Seizure Analysis), while swiftly troubleshooting concerns and providing appropriate/timely customer service to OFS and DAO staff.
• Work with all DAO units/departments and various units at the Office of Forensic Science to identify and resolve issues that impact the DAO’s ability to receive evidence in a timely manner.
• Works with DAO & Office Forensic Science, units/departments and staff, serving as the point of contact for DAO & OFS to identify and resolve issues that impact the DAO’s ability to receive reports, answers, and discovery in a timely manner.
• Work with DAO IT to identify and improve systems to request and receive analysis for OFS.
• Serve as the point of contact for drug evidence destruction, and work with OFS to craft evidence destruction policies to submit to the City for approval.
• Team up with Forensics Testing Coordinator(s) and DAO Trial Deputy to conduct case research through DAO software (DAOCMS and Premier One (P1)), review OFS spreadsheets to determine status of reports and submissions and develop unique strategies for efficient solutions and systems. Work with DAO Data lab, when data analysis is necessary to craft solutions.
• Keeps up to date regarding new statutory or case law that is relevant to the use of forensic evidence/forensic expert witnesses (e.g. is familiar with the implications for the DAO of cases like Arizona v. Smith)
• Crafts DAO policies and practices related to the requesting and admissibility of forensic reports and analysis.
• Serve as backup in the absence of the Forensic Testing Coordinator(s).
• Identify opportunities to update internal resources on the SharePoint page and provide training opportunities.

Skills & Qualifications

• All candidates must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Must have 5 or more years of experience as an attorney practicing criminal law in Pennsylvania
• Must have trial experience and experience with forensic science
  • Candidates must be a highly motivated researchers and should have trial/courtroom experience in trials or other evidentiary proceedings involving serious felonies; experience handling domestic violence and sexual assault cases as a lawyer or in an advocacy setting is a plus.
  • Candidate must have experience in forensic science specially DNA, firearms identification, gunshot residue, chemistry and drug analysis. Experience with forensic pathology is a plus.
• Candidate must be able to read & understand report, and be knowledgeable about OFS’s processes.
• Candidate must be able to take initiative and be self-directed on non-deadline-oriented investigations.
• Intermediate to Proficient with DAOCMS and P1.
• Intermediate to expert ability with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Have a deep understanding of forensic evidence, including but not limited to; NIBIN, DNA testing, narcotics testing, and gunshot residue examination.
• Candidates must be organized, flexible and capable of working under pressure.
• Ability to develop and cultivate effective internal/external working relationships is essential.
• Understanding of the uniquely sensitive and confidential nature of the professional services provided by the Office.

Applications will be active for one year from the date of receipt by the Office.

All exempt employees of the District Attorney’s Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The at-will relationship shall not be modified for any employee and no agreement, oral or written, shall be entered into that changes the at-will relationship.

** The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. **