Assistant District Attorney-Homicide Superior Court

SUMMARY:

The Assistant District Attorney – Superior Court is an Assistant District Attorney under the general supervision of the Second Assistant District Attorneys, and any relevant Chief of a specialized unit. The Assistant District Attorney – Superior Court represents the Commonwealth in accordance with the District Attorney’s statutory authority in the various courts in Plymouth County, the Supreme Judicial Court, the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County, the Appeals Court, and at times courts in other counties.

The Assistant District Attorney – Superior Court is an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves as an at-will at the pleasure of the District Attorney.  The Assistant District Attorney – Superior Court’s position is covered under the provisions of G.L. c. 268B.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecutions. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Reviewing and assessing materials forwarded from District Court for indictment consideration.
• Conducting grand jury investigations.
• Handling arraignments and corresponding motions such as bail requests, conditions of release, dangerousness hearings, and bail revocation hearings in all courts (including Juvenile, District and Superior Court as appropriate).
• Handling pre-trial hearings, conferences and litigating the full range of evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions.
• Handling trials, pleas, sentencing, and post-conviction matters.
• Serving in an “on-call capacity” as needed.
• Mentoring District Court ADA’s.
• Working closely with colleagues, office staff, victim witness advocates, law enforcement officers, court personnel, criminal justice agencies, community partners, and the public to ensure an ethical, effective, fair, and and professional approach to prosecution on behalf of victims and the communities we serve.
• Attending meetings with community and law enforcement partners.
• Reviewing charging decisions made by law enforcement agencies and making appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
• Reviewing all forms of documentary materials, interacting with victims and witnesses, preparing discovery, and provide discovery to defense counsel.
• Reviewing case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, and determine an appropriate recommendation for case resolution. Conference the same with the Second Assistants.
• Keeping abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting Massachusetts law and prepare written memoranda where appropriate.
• Maintaining a solid command of all applicable rules, laws, court procedures, statutes and guidelines, including the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence, and the mandates of the Victims’ Bill of Rights.
• Interacting with victims, witnesses, and members of the public with compassion and professionalism.
• Ability to manage crises and excel in high-stress, dynamic, and fast-paced environment while exhibiting and maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.

In addition to these above responsibilities the Assistant District Attorney – Superior Court is required:

• To be familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Plymouth District Attorney’s Office Personnel Policies
• To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions
• Collaborate with peers to maximize productivity and produce the highest outcomes
• To communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law
• To interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel, and Office staff
• To complete work assignments in a timely manner
• Be able to use computers, telephones, multi-media and other technology competently
• Be able to respond to crime scenes or other outdoor duties when required
• Be able to pick up, carry, transport case multiple case files to and from courtroom and also to transport and use laptop computer and cellphone to conduct work.
• To complete general administrative duties to include, filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.
• Perform any other duties at any jobsite as may from time to time be assigned to her/him by the District Attorney, or the First Assistant District Attorney or other designee of the District Attorney
• Work regularly in court house setting the hours needed to accomplish the job tasks successfully; and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when necessary, depending on ‘on-call’ duties or other assignments

Internal and external applicants, as well as position incumbents, must be able to perform the essential core tasks either with or without the assistance of a reasonable accommodation (to be determined by the District Attorney’s Office on a case-by-case basis). If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR at (508) 894-2538.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have experience prosecuting homicides as either a first or second chair.
• Significant Trial Experience (pre-trial motions, bench trials, jury trials).
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Requires excellent communication skills and the ability to share and provide information in a clear, articulate, and timely manner
• Commitment to fostering and contributing to a positive, collaborative working environment
• Ability to prioritize time sensitive matters and ensure that all deadlines are met
• Self-starter with the following attributes: sharp attention to detail, ability to exercise discretion with confidential information, ability to contribute and work as part of a team, positive attitude, willingness to learn new processes and to adapt to new procedures and protocols as needed, interviewing and presentation skills
• Able to deal with stressful, emotional situations related to crimes
• Able to deal with victims, offenders, family members, supporters, defense counsel, judges, probation, community members and more.
• Able to interact positively and productively as a team member with internal team members, and all other persons involved in the criminal process, including judges, attorneys, police officers, witnesses and victims from all walks of life.
• Able to juggle multiple cases, multiple tasks and competing priorities in a stressful environment.
• Able to respond to complex practical situations and legal issues quickly, thoroughly and accurately.
• Juris Doctorate and license to practice in MA