Asst District Attorney I

Compensation Range:

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• An Assistant District Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of a wide array of criminal offenses and handles all phases of a prosecution from pre-investigation through post-sentence appeals, including oral argument to appellate courts.  It is the duty of an Assistant District Attorney to seek justice. In doing so, an Assistant District Attorney is responsible for evaluating cases, taking into consideration resources, strength of the evidence, severity of the crime, any impact on victims and the community and policy considerations.  

• A prosecutor in the appeals and legal services unit handles cases post verdict through all level of the appellate process to include both state and federal court. This person must be well versed in Pennsylvania criminal, appellate and federal habeas corpus law and right to know law. This person must be able to provide competent legal assistance to the police and other trial level ADA's regarding any legal issue or question at any level of an investigation or prosecution.  Compensation is subject to collective bargaining. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conduct Preliminary Hearing blocks.

• Advise ADAs on trial and evidentiary issues.

• Conduct summary conviction appeals, current business sessions, guilty pleas, post trial motions hearings and bench warrants.

• Prepare pretrial, post-trial and appellate briefs and memoranda of law.

• Handle PCRAs and Federal Habeas Corpus matters as well as Right to Know Requests.

• Argue cases before the Common Pleas and PA appellate courts, as well as 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Present guilty plea lists to court.

• Present parole violation hearings.

• Represent the office in bench warrant court.

• Present sentencings.

• Handle questions from and advise police officers on investigations and law.

• Act as Duty DA to be on call for the office on a rotating basis.

• Provide trainings to police and DA staff when requested by the DA.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Juris Doctorate; Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of PA

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must possess analytical abilities, communication skills, a working knowledge of the criminal justice system as well as an understanding of the current state of the law, Pennsylvania crimes code, rules of criminal procedure and possess a presence in the courtroom.

• Must be an knowledgeable in PA criminal and appellate law. Must be able to assist, at any level, a major criminal investigation. Must be an knowledgeable on search warrants, sentencing, court rules and procedures. Must be able to handle any case at any post verdict stage whether in state or federal court.

• Juris Doctorate

• Admission to the Bars of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the United States Supreme Court, the Untied States Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit, The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

• If meeting the criteria for "driver" designation under the Lancaster County Transportation Policy, then compliance with "Authorized Driver Guidelines" under same Policy

• PA State Criminal history check.        

• Work is primarily sedentary in nature, no special demands are required.

• Must be able to work extended hours as needed for criminal investigations and complex trials.

• Must be able to travel within the entire state for appellate arguments.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.