ADA – Superior Court-Child Abuse Unit – Job Description 2024
Berkshire District Attorney’s Office
Description – External
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office seeks to hire a trial attorney for the Child Abuse Unit (Bilingual candidates are 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 the county. The office handles cases in the District Courts (including Jury), Juvenile Courts and Superior Courts, and is responsible for all appeals to the State Appeals Court & MA Supreme Judicial Court. The Office provides critical services and programs to victims and their families and the community. The Office is a Commonwealth agency, established in accordance with MGL Chapter 12, Sections 12 & 13.
Responsibilities:
• Represent the Commonwealth in Superior Court criminal matters.
• Work with the Child Abuse Unit Chief, victim witness advocates, and forensic interviewers in investigation and prosecution of criminal matters impactful for children.
• Work closely with law enforcement, Department of Children & Families, and Kids’ Place clinicians to ensure the most vulnerable victims have a voice and are protected during the investigation and prosecution phases.
• Prepare and present cases to the Grand Jury for indictment consideration.
• 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.
• Prepare and present motions in limine and witness voir dire; motions for third-party records under Mass. R. Crim. Pro 17.
• Interview police, civilian, and expert witnesses and prepare them to testify.
• Draft opening statements and closing arguments, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, and review files for evidence preparation and presentation.
• Conference cases with victim witness advocates for trial preparation and dispositional decisions. Dispose of cases by plea, bench, or jury trial.
Required Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate Degree from accredited law school.
• Membership in Massachusetts Bar.
• 2-4 years criminal litigation experience in the Superior Court
All full time positions offer a state benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision/life and disability insurances, retirement plans, and deferred compensation plans. Benefits also include paid vacation, personal and sick time as well as parental leave. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring practices.
Salary: $90,000 – $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Please send cover letter, resume and references to Contact.BerkshireDA-hiring@mass.gov