District Court - Assistant District Attorney

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Pittsfield, MA

5d

About The Position

The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office seeks a full-time attorney to join its District Court Prosecution team. The Office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County and is responsible for criminal prosecutions in the county. It handles cases in District Court, Juvenile Court, and Superior Court, as well as appeals to the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. The Office also provides services and programs to victims, their families, and the wider community. It is a Commonwealth agency established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 12, Sections 12 and 13.

The Assistant District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in District Court, manages matters from charging and arraignment through resolution or trial, and handles related appellate work. The position reports directly to the District Court Chief. All offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check, and positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the Massachusetts Bar, a pending application to the Massachusetts Bar, or SJC Rule 3:03 certification.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute all aspects of criminal cases in primary and jury sessions of the three divisions of District Court in Berkshire County.
• Review police reports and charging decisions made by police agencies and recommend or make changes as needed.
• Handle arraignments, bail requests, motions for conditions of release, dangerousness hearings, and bail revocation hearings as appropriate.
• Provide mandatory discovery to defendants and defense counsel.
• Handle pre-trial motions, including evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions to suppress and dismiss, and prepare written memoranda and briefs where appropriate.
• Review case files, applicable statutes and case law, and victim information and input to determine appropriate case-resolution recommendations.
• Handle mental health commitment matters that impact criminal cases.
• Resolve cases through pleas, bench trials, or jury trials.
• Follow the mandates of the Victim’s Bill of Rights.
• Handle cases in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree