MISSION OF THE BERKSHIRE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office is charged with the mission of prosecuting criminal offenses in Berkshire County in a fair and efficient manner. The Office is required to provide staffing, equipment, and services to the citizens of Berkshire County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to meet that objective.
The Office is a Commonwealth agency, established in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 12, Sections 12 and 13. The Office is responsible for all criminal prosecutions in Berkshire County, covering everything from misdemeanors to major felonies. 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.
Responsibilities
- Represent the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecution in the Berkshire Superior Court. This includes, but is not limited to:
- 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 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 environment while exhibiting a calm, professional demeanor.
- COVID-19 vaccination is required
Required
- Attend trainings relevant to BDAO functions;
- Become familiar with, and follow, BDAO 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;
- 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;
- Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner;
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice and the betterment of the community;
- Other related duties as assigned;
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. Payroll is paid bi-weekly and based on a 37.5 hour work week (normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Preference is given to bilingual candidates. 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 Dina Guiel Lampiasi at Dina.GuielLampiasi@mass.gov