Assistant 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

• The Assistant District Attorney in this position will fill a dual role.  The ADA will be assigned to the Appellate Unit, responsible for the handling of various levels of appeals received and filed by this office.  The ADA will also be assigned to the Juvenile Unit and be responsible for the prosecution of juvenile cases, including handling consent decrees, adjudication hearings, admissions, case reviews, detention hearings, and other miscellaneous juvenile hearings.  

• 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 levels 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.  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.    

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the supervisor of the Appeals and Legal Services Unit, with oversight from the Juvenile Unit Supervisor, the First Assistant District Attorney and the District Attorney.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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

• Handle PCRAs and Federal Habeas Corpus matters

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

• Prosecute juvenile cases, handle consent decrees, adjudication hearings, admissions, case reviews, detention hearings, and other miscellaneous juvenile hearings 

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Conduct Preliminary Hearing blocks.

• Screen assigned cases for discovery, plea offer, pretrial litigation, and trial presentation.

• Conduct summary conviction appeals, current business sessions, guilty pleas, and bench warrants.

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

• Advise law enforcement officers on cases, charges and law.

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

• Assist in the training of all new Assistant District Attorneys

• Provide trainings to police or others as requested by DA.

• Complete continuing legal education in order to maintain license to practice law.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree

• Juris Doctorate degree

• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of PA

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

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 knowledgeable in PA criminal and appellate law.  

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Successfully meet the requirements of the criminal history background check.

• Compliance with the County's "authorized" driver guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is sedentary in nature. Expect in the context of driving a motor vehicle in the course of employment, there are no specific physical demands.

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.