Assistant District Attorney

Description

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.

Examples of Typical Duties

• 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.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

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.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.

When giving a job description include: Name of employer, Job Title, Duties performed by you, Start and End Date (Month/Year), Hours worked per week. *Include all relevant experience. Additional experience may not be accepted after the application is reviewed. *Give the average hours worked per week. Example 40 hours worked per week. Do not give a range of hours worked per week. Example 20-30 hours worked per week. You will only receive credit for the lowest amount given. *Part-time experience is prorated *Give the month and year of your start and end dates worked. If partial dates are submitted, you will receive credit for the least amount of time. *If you had more than one title at same employer, list as separate employment.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees may be eligible for some benefits depending on their particular Bargaining Unit Agreement. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.