JOB TITLE: Assistant District Attorney, High-Risk Victims & Civil Rights Unit

REPORTS TO: Chief, High-Risk Victims & Civil Rights Unit

COMPENSATION: $83,520; commensurate with experience

FLSA STATUS: Full-time; Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: N/A

POSITION PROFILE: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) seeks an experienced assistant district attorney for its High-Risk Victims & Civil Rights Unit (HVCRU). The HVCRU prosecutes crimes that harm victims aged 60 or older, victims who are physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled, and victims of protected classes whose civil rights have been violated. Additionally, HVCRU investigates and prosecutes cases alleging financial exploitation. HVCRU ADAs work extensively and collaboratively with the Boston Police Department, Chelsea Police Department, Revere Police Department, Winthrop Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and federal authorities, when appropriate, as well as social service agencies that serve each of these populations including the Central Boston Elder Service (CBES), the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC), and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) among others. Work in HVCRU requires extraordinary advocacy skills, and a strong combination of astute inter-personal skills and a commitment to serving the under-served. HVCRU is responsible for all elements of the case from investigation to arraignment to discovery, motions, and resolution by plea or trial. Many of the cases prosecuted in this unit also require the use of expert witnesses and collateral resources to aid witnesses, i.e., sign language interpreters, braille transcripts, alternative communication devices, etc.

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 initial investigations;

  • 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.

• Work closely with colleagues, victim witness advocates, law enforcement, court personnel, the defense bar, criminal justice agencies, community partners, and the public to ensure a successful, holistic approach to prosecution that balances the safety and well-being of the victims, defendants, and communities we serve.

• Attend meetings with our community and law enforcement partners.

• 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.

• Interact with victims, defendants, families, and witnesses with kindness and professionalism.

• Ability to manage crises and excel in high-stress, dynamic, and fast-paced environments while exhibiting a calm, professional demeanor.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 law and college student interns.

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

TRAVEL: Assistant District Attorneys are expected to travel from various sites, including but not limited to, courthouses and law enforcement offices.

EEO STATEMENT: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office 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.

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.
• Tried a minimum of ten jury trials (in the District, Municipal, or Superior Court) to a verdict as lead counsel.
• Availability after hours and on weekends.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex legal and strategic matters.
• Experience in written and oral advocacy and legal research, either academically or professionally.
• Capacity for fairness, a strong work ethic, ability to manage a demanding workload, a high-stress and dynamic work environment, 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.
• Prior work experience in criminal law, in the form of a clerkship, job, or internship.
• Conversant with American Sign Language (ASL)
• Experience working with or volunteering for communities HVCRU serves.