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:
Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office are tasked with a variety of responsibilities depending on their assigned division. The office is divided into two primary divisions: the Law Division and the Trial Division.

In the Law Division, entry-level attorneys may be assigned to one of four units: Appeals, Civil Litigation, Federal Litigation, or Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA). Each unit has specific duties:

- Appeals Unit: ADAs write briefs and argue cases before the appellate courts.
- Civil Litigation Unit: ADAs engage in litigation, including complex discovery, right-to-know law, contract drafting, review and negotiation, and employment law.
- Federal Litigation Unit: ADAs litigate petitions for writs of habeas corpus filed in federal court by prisoners prosecuted by the office. This may include handling evidentiary hearings or oral arguments.
- PCRA Unit: ADAs review incoming PCRA petitions to decide on the appropriate course of action, such as agreeing to relief or filing a motion to dismiss.

In the Trial Division, entry-level attorneys begin their careers in the Municipal Court Unit, Juvenile Court Unit, or Diversion Unit, where they handle misdemeanor trials, felony preliminary hearings, and delinquency hearings involving a range of charges, including serious felonies. Progression into other units is based on the office's needs and the attorney's demonstrated ability. Typically, after gaining experience, ADAs move to the Juvenile Court Unit or Major Trials Unit to handle more complex cases like felony waivers. ADAs can also expect a six-month rotation in the Charging Unit during their first few years.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must have earned a Juris Doctor (.) degree from an accredited law school and must sit for and pass the Pennsylvania bar exam. The office seeks candidates with a demonstrated commitment to public service and a strong academic record. Ideal candidates will possess qualities such as fairness, empathy, a strong work ethic, and the ability to manage a demanding workload. Additionally, sound problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential. Attorneys completing judicial clerkships, including Federal District and Circuit Court clerkships, are encouraged to apply.

Salary Information:
The text does not provide specific salary information for the position of Entry Level Assistant District Attorney. However, it mentions that Assistant District Attorneys are exempt employees with the City of Philadelphia and receive benefits similar to other City exempt employees.

Benefits:
Assistant District Attorneys receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Pension plan
- Sick leave
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Four annual administrative leave days
- 20 paid vacation days each year
- A choice of medical insurance plans, including vision, prescription, and dental coverage, extendable to spouse and eligible dependents
- Term life insurance policy
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Optional supplemental life and ADD policies
- Options for salary continuation benefit for survivors and dependent life coverage
- Optional deferred compensation plan for retirement
- Other benefits include a membership in a credit union, health club membership discounts, a before-tax commuter program, health care flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, critical illness insurance, and sick leave bonuses and exchanges.

Additional Information:
Applications for the position will be active for one year from the date of receipt by the Office. All exempt employees of the District Attorney’s Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The at-will employment relationship cannot be modified, and no agreement, oral or written, shall change this relationship.