JOB TITLE : Supervising Assistant District Attorney, Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court
REPORTS TO : Chief of District & Municipal Courts and District & Municipal Courts Legal Counsel
COMPENSATION : $77,000.00 to $102,500; commensurate with experience
FLSA STATUS: Full-time/Exempt
CLASSIFICATION : N/A
POSITION PROFILE :
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced trial attorney committed to public service, public safety, justice and fairness to join its leadership team as the Supervising Assistant District Attorney (ADA) assigned to the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court. This attorney will lead a team of attorneys, victim witness advocates, administrative professionals, and investigators who all have a common goal of prosecuting criminal cases arising within the jurisdiction of the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court, pursuant to the policies of the District Attorney. This attorney will advise line prosecutors in litigation strategy and support them in developing investigatory and trial practice skills. The supervisor is also the District Attorney’s primary liaison with the Office of the Clerk Magistrate and the judiciary on matters of courthouse administration. Supervisors are expected to assist police investigations and review search warrants and applications for criminal complaints. The supervisor will also be the primary point of contact for community members within the jurisdiction of the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court.
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 :
- Serve as a member of the District Attorney’s leadership team and support the District Attorney’s policy priorities by identifying opportunities to advance them through investigations and prosecutions, legislative initiatives, and collaborations with other law enforcement and community partners.
- Manage a team of attorneys, investigators, analysts, victim witness advocates and support staff.
- Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecution (and certain civil matters as required by statute) in the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court. This includes, but is not limited to:
- 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;
- Handling cases in both the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court as assigned by the Chief of Appeals in conjunction with the Chief of District and Municipal Courts.
- 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 decisions made by law enforcement agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
- Review evidentiary reports, identify and interview victims and witnesses, prepare 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.
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 personnel, law enforcement personnel, and SCDAO staff.
- Facilitate communication between the defense bar, judiciary, and courthouse staff as well as law enforcement and other community partners and streamline processes and coordinate initiatives within the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court.
- Liaise with law enforcement and community partners.
- Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner.
- Attend leadership meetings and relay relevant information to the team.
- Other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :
- Support and supervise a team of ADAs, investigators, advocates and support staff.
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, One Bulfinch Place and courthouses throughout Suffolk County 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 4+ years of relevant experience in criminal law, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
- A member of good standing of the Massachusetts bar;
- Excellent organization and management skills;
- Ability to mentor, support, and lead a team of lawyers, support staff, victim witness advocates, and investigators;
- Strong communication, writing and analytical skills;
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record;
- A robust understanding of criminal practice in the district or Boston Municipal Courts;
- Experience in written advocacy, oral advocacy, and legal research, either academically or professionally; and
- Capacity for fairness, a strong work ethic, ability to manage a highly demanding workload and a stressful work environment, and sound crisis-management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Preferred :
- Fluency or Conversational Abilities in Spanish or Cape Verdean Creole;