JOB TITLE: Assistant District Attorney in Homicide Unit
REPORTS TO: Chief of the Homicide Unit
FLSA STATUS: Full-time; Exempt
COMPENSATION: $113,275 annual salary; commensurate with experience
POSITION PROFILE: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) seeks one highly experienced Assistant District Attorney for its Homicide Unit. Applicants must be dedicated to public service, public safety, and fairness and justice for all who come into contact with the criminal justice system. An Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Unit is responsible for the investigation and vertical prosecution of the most serious and complex homicide cases, handling all elements of the case from investigation and arraignment to discovery through motions and trial.
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 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 and motions to suppress;
- Handling trials, pleas, sentencing, and post-conviction matters;
- Supervise investigations into suspicious deaths assigned to designated law enforcement agencies.
- 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.
- Review charging recommendations 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.
- Interact with victims, defendants, families, and witnesses with kindness and professionalism.
- 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.
- Ability to manage crises and excel in a high-stress, 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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Occasional supervision of student interns and assistant district attorneys assigned to assist homicide prosecutions and investigations.
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.
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 good standing of the Massachusetts bar.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record;
- A minimum of ten years of experience as a practicing attorney;
- Significant experience as lead counsel in complex Superior Court (or equivalent) jury trials;
- Significant experience in prosecuting cases involving victims of violent crime/sexual assault;
- Availability after hours and on weekends;
- Experience in written and oral advocacy and legal research, either academically or professionally;
- Experience in presenting expert testimony and cross-examination of expert witnesses;
- 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 Chinese, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean Creole.
- Experience as lead counsel in a homicide trial tried to verdict