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 State Appeals Court and Massachusetts 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.
Job Title: Assistant District Attorney- District / Juvenile Courts
Vacancies: 2
Exempt: Fulltime; 37.5 hours/ week M-F
Reports to: Deputy District Attorney
Salary: Commensurate with experience; (starting salary for newly admitted lawyers starting at $64,000)
Responsibilities
- Prosecute all aspects of criminal cases in primary and jury sessions of the three divisions of District Court and the Juvenile Court in Berkshire County;
- Review police reports and charging decisions made by police agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed;
- Handle arraignments in court, make bail requests, motions for conditions of release, motions for detention such as dangerousness hearings and bail revocation hearings as appropriate;
- Provide mandatory discovery to defendants/defense counsel;
- Handle all pre-trial motions filed by defense counsel including requests for further discovery, evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions to suppress, dismiss, etc. and to prepare written memoranda and briefs where appropriate;
- Review case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, and determine an appropriate recommendation for case resolution;
- Conference all matters and make recommendations for case resolution at mandatory case conference sessions with defense counsel;
- Handle any mental health commitment matters which impact criminal cases;
- Handle case resolution by way of plea, trial, or dismissal where appropriate; and
- Follow the mandates of the Victim’s Bill of Rights.
Required Qualifications:
- Law school graduates (Juris Doctorate Degree) with preference for Massachusetts Bar members (current or pending), and applicants with SJC Rule 3:03 certification.
- To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions;
- To interact in a respectful & professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and office staff;
- To complete work assignments in a timely, accurate & efficient manner
- Communicate effectively with a diverse population and interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and office staff.
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice and the betterment of the community.
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.
COVID-19 vaccination is required prior to hire date, all employees are required to follow future booster mandates.
Berkshire District Attorney's Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring practices.
Please send cover letter, resume and references to contact.berkshireDA-hiring@mass.gov.