Assistant District Attorney I

County of Chester; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Chester is seeking an Attorney I for the District Attorney’s office responsible for prosecuting criminal matters. Candidates should possess a Juris Doctorate and a Pennsylvania law license, demonstrating strong legal skills, independence, and the ability to manage a caseload effectively. This role involves trial preparation, negotiation of plea bargains, and general case management within a professional environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school required.
• License to practice law in Pennsylvania is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute criminal matters in Chester County.
• Prepare for trials, motions, and hearings.
• Negotiate plea bargains and represent the Commonwealth in trials.

Skills

Legal research

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independence

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

License to practice law in Pennsylvania

Tools

Westlaw

Court system software

Word

Outlook

Job description

The Attorney I for the District Attorney’s office is responsible for prosecuting criminal matters in the County of Chester.

• Prepare for trials, motions and hearings.
• Review files, interview witnesses and victims, review evidence and visit the scene of the crime.
• Prepare offers and negotiate with defense counsel.
• Review the laws relating to the case and determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
• Use sentencing guidelines to generate offers for plea bargains, and negotiate plea bargains or proceed to trial.
• Represent the interests of the Commonwealth in bench or jury trials.
• Handle jury selection and prepare proposed jury instructions.
• Conduct direct examination of Commonwealth witnesses.
• Conduct cross-examination of defense witnesses.
• Argue objections.
• Prepare and present exhibits as allowed by the rules of evidence.
• Prepare and present closing arguments.
• General case management (i.e., meeting judge-imposed deadlines and maintaining caseload).
• Handle the miscellaneous and summary appeals list.
• Negotiate plea bargains for summary citations and, when appropriate, conduct trial de novo on charges.
• Responsible for on-call duties once a quarter for a period of seven days/ 24 hours a day.
• Handle hearings for indirect criminal contempt charges filed against those who violate Protection from Abuse Orders.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Strong legal research skills.
• Excellent writing and reading skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Accurate and detail-oriented.
• Ability to establish priorities and multi-task.
• Ability to research applicable case law and cite cases.
• Must attend 12 hours of CLE annually.
• Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal and Appellate Procedures.
• Working knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys.
• A valid driver’s license is required for this position.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Three years of experience as a law clerk.
• Working knowledge of legal processes involved in Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary civil and criminal dockets.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement.
• Knowledge and skill with modern office equipment (fax, copier, calculator, etc.).
• Intermediate skill to use a personal computer and various software packages.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to Intermediate Word skills.
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Westlaw legal research skills
• Experience with Court system software

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, climb stairs, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, lift and carry items, and drive to and from different locations. On rare occasions, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulder height; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; and drive a vehicle to and from different locations.

The special vision requirement listed for this position is:

• Close vision: for computer work, reading and writing.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Will work inside 100% of the time.
• This position requires sitting for extended periods of time.

Other:

• Must be able to work extended hours, as necessary.
• This position requires professionalism.
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.