MISSION OF THE BERKSHIRE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County and is responsible for all-criminal prosecutions in Berkshire County. The Office handles cases in the County’s District Courts (including Jury sessions), Juvenile Courts, and Superior Court, and is responsible for all appeals to the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. In addition, the Office provides critical services and programs to victims and their families and to the community at large. The Office is a Commonwealth agency, established in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 12, Sections 12 and 13.
Responsibilities:
- Handle all phases of direct appeals in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court, including briefs and oral arguments at court.
- Maintain a caseload of a variety of pre-trial, interlocutory, and post-conviction matters, including, but not limited to:
- Oppositions to complex or unusual motions to suppress;
- Rule 15 applications and appeals from decisions on motions to suppress;
- Chapter 211 § 3 petitions and appeals to single justice on other types of decisions;
- Oppositions to motions for a new trial;
- Responses to petitions for the sealing and expungement of criminal records.
- Summarize and distribute relevant new case law to trial attorneys.
- Assist trial attorneys with motions to suppress and other evidentiary issues, motions to dismiss, and research of other complex or unusual issues.
- Assist Superior Court attorneys with trial preparation in homicide and serious felonies as part of the prosecution team, including motions in limine and drafting jury instructions.
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate Degree from accredited law school.
- Membership in Massachusetts Bar, pending application to the Mass Bar, or SJC rule 3:03 certification.
- Interest in criminal law and procedure, and particularly appellate work.
- Attention to detail, careful legal research, and the ability to efficiently and timely complete briefs and memoranda of law.
- Ability to work independently and be part of a team.
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
- Travel to the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, and other trial courts within Berkshire County is required.
All full-time positions offer a state benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation, personal and sick leave and paid parental leave. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney.
Berkshire District Attorney's Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices.
This position is an in-office position with only limited ability to work remotely.
Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references to Contact.BerkshireDA-hiring@mass.gov.
Job Title: Assistant District Attorney – Appellate Unit
Vacancies: 1
Exempt: Fulltime; 37.5 hours/ week M-F
Reports to: Chief of Appeals
Salary: 72,000 – 75,000 yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Susan Deeley/Susan Morrison – 413-443-5951