Assistant District Attorney

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Northampton, MA

About The Position

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (NWDAO) serves the people of Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol. In partnership with the communities it serves, the NWDAO is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, justice, and the protection of the public through fair and effective prosecutions and progressive prevention initiatives. Although the primary responsibility of the Office is prosecuting crime, we also have a strong focus on progressive education and prevention efforts in the areas of domestic & sexual violence, child abuse, juvenile justice, elders and persons with disabilities, and consumer protection. We are the law office of the People and are steadfast guardians of the rights and liberties of every citizen. We advocate for making our communities safer and stronger, while protecting civil rights and promoting social and racial justice. Perform all the legal duties and functions related to the prosecution of cases in the Juvenile Courts.

Requirements

Massachusetts Licensed Attorney with one year’s experience as a prosecutor and familiarity with Juvenile Court;
Possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the core functions of the position;
Ability to collaborate and communicate among multiple agencies on time-sensitive investigations, and who is highly motivated to work in the public interest;
Familiarity with the use of search warrants, subpoenas, and other legal mechanisms to obtain documents, digital evidence, and other forms of evidence germane to criminal investigations;
Strong analytical, organizational, time management, writing and trial advocacy skills are essential;
Work effectively in emotionally charged situations with victims and witnesses and parents/guardians concerned with juveniles’ placement, best interests and future.

Responsibilities

Perform all the legal duties and functions related to the investigation and prosecution of delinquency and youthful offender matters in the Juvenile Court and G.L. c. 119, § 72A Transfer Hearing cases in the District and Superior Courts;
Review 51A reports, police reports, attend forensic interviews, work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, and attend case review meetings;
Handle the arraignment session and pre-trial conference session of the Juvenile Court, which includes conferring with victim witness advocates, the Department of Youth Services, defense counsel, court liaison officers and probation officers, referring cases to the Juvenile Diversion Program, filing appropriate motions and bail requests, ensuring all discovery is received and provided, and preparing required NWDA forms;
Collaborate with the Court Clinic in recommending appropriate juveniles for Risk Assessments, G.L. c. 119, § 68A Court Clinic evaluations and Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings;
Obtain background information from providers and community members to make informed decisions for bail requests and conditions of release, treatment, probation and other court-related dispositions;
Investigate, review, and recommend serious felonies for presentment to grand jury for indictment as youthful offender prosecutions under G.L. c. 119, § 54, and handle the grand jury presentation and prosecution of approved youthful offender cases;
File and litigate motions for modification/revocation of bail/conditions of release when appropriate and handle violation of probation hearings;
Conduct motion hearings, and bench and jury trials;
Participate in community outreach programs as assigned by the Chief of Juvenile Justice and Deputy District Attorney, including Community-Based Juvenile Justice (CBJJ) meetings with participating school districts, Safe School Response Team (SSRT) meetings, and internal and external trainings;
Attend conferences and trainings which inform the work of the Juvenile Justice Unit including adolescent social/emotional development, safe and healthy school concerns, social media, healthy relationships, sexually problematic behavior, digital evidence, and substance use disorders;
Provide coverage and assistance periodically to the District Court Unit;
Work collaboratively with other NWDAO units;
Follow all unit and office policies and protocols;
Perform miscellaneous other tasks assigned by the District Attorney, Deputy District Attorney or Chief of the Juvenile Justice Unit.