Criminal Law - Prosecution Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Government

Philadelphia, PA

Criminal Law - Prosecution Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Attorney

No

Job Title: Entry Level Assistant District Attorney - Fall 2025

Job Responsibilities:
As an Entry Level Assistant District Attorney in the Federal Litigation Unit, you will be part of the Law Division, which encompasses Appeals, Civil Litigation, Federal Litigation, and Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) units. Your responsibilities will vary based on the specific unit to which you are assigned:

1. **Appeals Unit**: Write briefs and argue before appellate courts, representing the Commonwealth throughout the appellate process.
2. **Civil Litigation Unit**: Engage in litigation, including complex discovery, right-to-know law, contract drafting, review and negotiation, and employment law.
3. **Federal Litigation Unit**: Litigate petitions for writs of habeas corpus filed in federal court by prisoners prosecuted by the office. Handle evidentiary hearings or oral arguments as ordered by magistrates and district court judges.
4. **PCRA Unit**: Review incoming PCRA petitions to determine agreement on relief or to file a motion to dismiss. Appellate attorneys are given full responsibility, under supervision, for briefing and arguing their cases.

In the Trial Division, you will initially be assigned to one of the following units:

1. **Municipal Court Unit**: Handle misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
2. **Juvenile Court Unit**: Conduct delinquency hearings involving a range of charges, including serious felonies.
3. **Diversion Unit**: Manage cases eligible for alternatives to prosecution.

Progression to other units such as the Major Trials Unit or the Charging Unit is based on office needs and demonstrated ability.

Education and Experience Information:
- A Juris Doctor (.) degree from an accredited law school is required.
- Candidates must sit for and pass the Pennsylvania bar exam.
- A demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record are essential.
- Ideal candidates should possess fairness, empathy, a strong work ethic, and sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Candidates with judicial clerkships, including Federal District and Circuit Court clerkships, are encouraged to apply.

Salary Information:
Unfortunately, specific salary details are not provided in the job description. However, Assistant District Attorneys are classified as exempt employees with the City of Philadelphia, enjoying a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits:
- Pension plan
- Sick leave
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Four annual administrative leave days
- 20 paid vacation days each year
- Choice of medical insurance plans, including vision, prescription, and dental coverage
- Term life insurance policy
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Optional supplemental life and ADD policies
- Optional deferred compensation plan for retirement
- Membership in credit union
- Health club membership discounts
- Before tax commuter program
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Critical illness insurance
- Sick leave bonuses and exchanges

Legal Terminology and Conditions:
- All Assistant District Attorneys are at-will employees, serving at the pleasure of the District Attorney.
- The at-will employment relationship cannot be modified, and no oral or written agreement shall change this status.
- Applications remain active for one year from the receipt date by the office.