Assist District Attorney I

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Community Prosecutor position oversees Lancaster County’s specialty treatment courts: Veterans’ Court, Drug Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court. The role processes applications, reviews applicants for eligibility and disqualifying criteria, participates in weekly team meetings on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office, and collaborates with court teams to review and update policies and procedures in accordance with the law and evidence-based best practices. The Community Prosecutor attends weekly court sessions to handle guilty pleas and sentencings and to observe and participate in participant reports to the Court. The position also attends community meetings and engages with neighborhood leaders, residents, and other stakeholders to identify issues and priorities, connecting the community with prosecution and law enforcement to address specific concerns. It participates in county community-based initiatives and oversees the Pathways to Recovery diversion program at the Magisterial District Judge level. The role also performs other Assistant District Attorney duties and calendar assignments as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Juris Doctorate.
Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal prosecution and practice.
Ability to work effectively with criminal justice system stakeholders, municipal and community leaders, and residents.
Effective public speaking skills.
Ability to be creative, innovative, and motivated in addressing criminal issues and current crime trends affecting Lancaster County communities.
Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Background check.
Compliance with the County’s authorized driver guidelines.

Responsibilities

Participate in Drug Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court, including processing applications, attending weekly court sessions, and preparing guilty pleas, probation/parole violations, sanctions hearings, and sentencings.
Review treatment court policies, procedures, and legal documents, and collaborate with team members on updates.
Attend community meetings and engage with neighborhood leaders, residents, and other stakeholders.
Participate in the Stepping Up Stakeholders Meeting, Lancaster County Reentry Coalition, Prison Population Reduction Committee, Campaign Against Sexual Exploitation (CASE), and Mental Illness Substance Abuse Committee.
Oversee the Pathways to Recovery diversion program at the Magisterial District Judge level.
Prepare and file motions to revoke ARD for non-compliant participants.
Perform other Assistant District Attorney duties and calendar assignments as assigned or needed.