Assistant District Attorney – Jury of Six: Job Description
Berkshire District Attorney’s Office
Assistant District Attorney- District Court/Jury of Six Session
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office seeks to hire a full-time attorney who will join the District Court Prosecution team in the Jury of Six Session. Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County and is responsible for all criminal prosecutions in Berkshire County. The Office handles cases in the County’s District Courts (including Jury sessions), Juvenile Courts, and Superior Court, and is responsible for all appeals to the State Appeals Court and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In addition, the Office provides critical services and programs to victims and their families and to the community at large. The Office is a Commonwealth agency, established in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 12, Sections 12 and 13.
Responsibilities
• This position is for a Jury of Six trial attorney with an emphasis on trying OUI, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Firearm, and Narcotics cases in the district courts. Prosecute criminal cases in the two jury sessions of the three divisions of District Court in Berkshire County. Review case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, and determine an appropriate recommendation for case disposition.
• Draft opening statements and closing arguments, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, and review files for evidence preparation and presentation. Review Model Jury Instructions for charges in the complaint and secure and present evidence necessary to prove all elements of each charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Prepare and present motions in limine and witness voir dire; prepare and present motions for third-party records under Mass. R. Crim. Pro 17; interview police, civilian, and expert witnesses and prepare them to testify; conference cases with victim witness advocates for trial preparation and dispositional decisions.
• Review police reports and charging decisions made by police agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
• Handle all pre-trial motions, evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions to suppress and dismiss heard in the Jury session and prepare written memoranda and briefs where appropriate.
• Dispose of cases by plea, bench, or jury trial.
Required Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from accredited law school
• Membership in Massachusetts Bar
• 3-4 years criminal litigation experience
• Bilingual Candidates are encouraged to apply.
Reports to: Second Assistant District Attorney
Salary: $85,000-$90,000 commensurate with experience
All full time positions offer a state benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation, personal and sick leave and paid parental leave. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney.
Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring practices.
Please send cover letter, resume and references to Contact.BerkshireDA-hiring@mass.gov