Assistant District Attorney in the Special Victims Bureau

JOB TITLE: Assistant District Attorney in the Special Victims Bureau

REPORTS TO: Assigned Unit Chief and Bureau Chief

COMPENSATION: starting salary of $88,500 annually; commensurate with experience

FLSA STATUS: Full-time/Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: N/A

POSITION PROFILE:

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) is seeking an experienced attorney with exceptional investigation and litigation skills to join its Special Victims Bureau (SVB).

The SVB encompasses the Child Protection Team, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, and the Human Trafficking Unit. These units investigate and prosecute some of the most challenging cases handled by the office, and members of these units are committed to resolving them with discretion and compassion for the victims and survivors. Prosecutors, advocates, and investigators assigned to the Special Victims Bureau are dedicated to making the process as safe and streamlined as possible for those who have been victimized. Members of the Special Victims Bureau have fostered important relationships and partnerships with outside agencies and providers, in an effort to get victims, survivors, and their families all of the assistance they may need.

During the vetting process, unit assignment within the Special Victims Bureau will be discussed with the applicant pursuant to the operational needs of the Bureau at that time and the applicant’s areas of interest. Applicants must be dedicated to public service, public safety, and fairness and justice for all who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

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:

• Work closely with victim witness advocates, law enforcement, court personnel, the defense bar, criminal justice agencies, community partners, and the public to ensure successful, holistic approach to prosecution that balances the safety and well-being of the victims, defendants, and communities we serve.
• Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecution in the Suffolk Superior Court. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Conducting complex grand jury investigations;
  • Handling arraignments and corresponding motions, such as bail requests, conditions of release, dangerousness hearings, and bail revocation hearings, as appropriate;
  • Conducting pre-trial hearings and conferences, and litigating evidentiary and non- evidentiary motions such as motions for discovery, Dwyer motions and motions to suppress;
  • Handling trials, pleas, sentencing, and post-conviction matters.
• Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team forensic interviews.
• Be on call for notifications of complex criminal investigations to assist in real time as needed, including the review and approval of search warrants.
• Review charging decisions made by law enforcement agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
• Review evidentiary reports, identify, and interview victims and witnesses, prepare discovery, and provide discovery to defense counsel.
• Review case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, and determine an appropriate recommendation for case resolution. Conference the same with defense counsel.
• Keep abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting Massachusetts law and prepare written memoranda where appropriate.
• Understand applicable rules, laws, and guidelines, including the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence, and the mandates of the Victims’ Bill of Rights.
• Manage crisis and excel in high-stress, high-intensity, dynamic, and fast-paced environment while exhibiting a calm, professional demeanor.

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

TRAVEL: ADAs are expected to travel from various sites, including but not limited to, courthouse and law enforcement offices, as well as the Family Justice Center at 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton.

EEO STATEMENT:

We are 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.

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;
• A minimum of three years of experience as a prosecutor or equivalent experience;
• 12 months as a Superior Court Assistant District Attorney or equivalent experience.
• Significant trial experience, preferably 10 jury trials to verdict as lead counsel;
• Significant experience in prosecuting cases involving victims of violent crime/sexual assault/exploitation;
• Experience in written and oral advocacy and legal research, either academically or professionally;
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex legal and strategic matters;
• Outstanding communication and crisis management skills;
• Capacity for fairness, a strong work ethic, ability to manage a highly demanding workload, and sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Preferred:

• Fluency or Conversational Abilities in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin or Cantonese Chines, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole.
• Prior work experience in criminal law, in the form of a clerkship, job or internship.