JOB TITLE: Assistant District Attorney in the Appeals Division
REPORTS TO: Chief of Appeals and Deputy Chief of Appeals
COMPENSATION : $72,000 (starting annual salary); commensurate with experience
FLSA STATUS: Full-time/Exempt
CLASSIFICATION : N/A
POSITION PROFILE : The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) is seeking attorneys who are dedicated to public service, committed to justice and fairness for all who come into contact with the criminal justice system, and capable of sophisticated and excellent legal advocacy to join its Appeals Division. Appellate Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) work to ensure the integrity of criminal convictions in Suffolk County and to develop and clarify law and procedure. Appellate ADAs are responsible for representing the SCDAO in post-conviction and interlocutory matters in the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, and trial courts. Appellate ADAs work closely in support of trial teams, particularly the Homicide Unit and other felony trial units, often second-seating trials. Appellate ADAs also review adverse decisions from all courts, are available for strategic consultation with trial prosecutors, and assist in updating trial ADAs about developments in caselaw and legislation.
Per SCDAO’s vaccine mandate, as a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details on demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Represent the Commonwealth in all stages of post-conviction criminal litigation in the Supreme Judicial Court, the Appeals Court, and trial courts by, among other things:
- Researching, writing, and arguing appellate briefs;
- Challenging judicial error and seeking to develop and clarify case law by pursuing interlocutory and other affirmative appeals;
- Preparing petitions to the Supreme Judicial Court for superintendence of the trial courts pursuant to G.L. c. 211, • 3; and
- Writing responsive motions, delivering legal argument, and conducting evidentiary hearings in the Superior and other trial courts in post-conviction matters pursuant to various Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, including Rules 29, 30, and 31.
- Provide legal and strategic assistance to trial ADAs prior to and during the trial phase of prosecutions.
- Occasionally second-chair homicide or other felony prosecutions and respond to motions to suppress or to dismiss in cases involving complex or novel legal issues.
- Educate and update trial teams about developments in caselaw and legislation.
- Draft amici curiae briefs for the Supreme Judicial Court.
- Contribute to the drafting of legislation and office-wide policies and procedures.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Attend trainings relevant to SCDAO functions.
- Become familiar with, and follow, SCDAO personnel policies, particularly with regard to confidentiality, sexual harassment, drug-free workplace, and usage of information technology resources.
- Become familiar with, and adhere to, the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Exercise respectful and professional behavior and communication with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and office staff.
- Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner.
- Other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Occasional supervision of law, college, and high school student interns.
TRAVEL:
Frequent travel to the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, and Superior Court, as well as occasional travel to other trial courts within Suffolk County and the Commonwealth is required.
EEO STATEMENT:
The SCDAO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualifications:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- J.D. Degree from an accredited law school and a member of the Massachusetts Bar in good standing;
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record;
- Utmost integrity and commitment to fairness;
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information;
- Strong research, oral and written communication, and analytical skills;
- Strong desire to work in a collegial and team-focused environment;
- Aptitude and interest in the intricacies of trial and appellate work, as well as the development of laws and rules through particular cases and briefs;
- Experience in written and oral advocacy and legal research, either academically or professionally; and
- Ability to manage and prioritize a high volume of appellate and post-conviction cases.
Preferred:
- Fluency or Conversational Abilities in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole.
- Prior work experience in post-conviction or appellate litigation, either in the form of a clerkship, job, or internship.
- Prior journal or moot court experience.
- Interest in cutting-edge legal issues.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to lift boxes weighing 10-20 pounds.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.