Assistant District Attorney II

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

19h

About The Position

The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office is seeking an attorney with experience prosecuting crimes in its Special Victims Unit, including child abuse and domestic violence cases. The unit prosecutes sexual assaults, crimes against young children, and domestic violence cases, working to seek justice for vulnerable victims. Attorneys become involved with law enforcement and victim/witness advocates early in investigations; certain charges require the Assistant District Attorney’s prior approval. Attorneys then handle cases through the court system. An Assistant District Attorney II prosecutes a wide array of criminal offenses and handles all phases of prosecution, from pre-investigation through post-sentence appeals, with an emphasis on serious and complex litigation. The role includes evaluating cases in light of available resources, evidentiary strength, crime severity, effects on victims and the community, and policy considerations. Pay is commensurate with experience and subject to collective bargaining.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Juris Doctorate degree.
Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Significant litigation experience handling complex felony criminal cases, specifically through jury trials or appellate work.
Significant experience as a practicing attorney whose workload was devoted exclusively or primarily to criminal law as a prosecutor or defense counsel.
Exemplary analytical abilities and persuasive communication skills.
Strong command of the criminal justice system, current state of the law, Pennsylvania Crimes Code, and rules of criminal and appellate procedure.
Ability to work independently with little supervision, with a proven history of exercising sound discretion and judgment.
Ability to direct an advanced criminal investigation.
Ability to identify, research, and analyze complex legal issues and litigate persuasively in an appellate venue.
Successfully meet the requirements of the criminal history background check.
Comply with the County's authorized driver guidelines.

Responsibilities

Conduct preliminary hearing blocks.
Screen assigned cases for discovery, plea offers, pretrial litigation, and trial presentation.
Conduct pretrial hearings, jury and bench trials, juvenile hearings, and posttrial hearings.
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.
Verify Rule 600 status for each assigned case.
Serve as Duty DA and be on call for the office on a rotating basis.
Assist in training new Assistant District Attorneys and mentor their development.
Collaborate with office leadership to develop best practices for office policy, procedure, and courtroom practice.
Provide training to police or others as requested by the District Attorney.
Complete continuing legal education to maintain a license to practice law.
Perform other duties as assigned.