What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Deputy District Attorney position at Franklin County, PA?
Are you a motivated, positive, service-driven individual? If so, we need to talk. We are looking for someone who will act on authority delegated by the district attorney to represent the Commonwealth and the County in the prosecutions of those persons who are alleged to have violated the law of the Commonwealth within the County. We want a self-starter who wants to make a difference and give back to their community. If that is you, contact us today!
Franklin County is a great place to live and work! We are located in South Central Pennsylvania in one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth. To provide the greatest service to our population of over 150,000, we want the best people working for our residents: people who want to make a difference, people who want to give back to their community. When you join us, you will have a hand in creating our future and preserving our past!
Juris doctor degree and admission to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Some training in computers helpful. Continuing legal education required. At least three years of experience as a criminal prosecutor at either the state or federal level.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
CHIEF DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Position Description Exempt
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB
Acts on authority delegated by the district attorney to represent the Commonwealth and the County in the prosecutions of those persons who are alleged to have violated the law of the Commonwealth within the County.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE JOB
Upon authority delegated by the district attorney:
- Assists police in the investigation of criminal offenses.
- Provides legal opinions to police relative to investigations.
- Conducts legal research and writes opinions thereon.
- Advises police on the drafting of criminal complaints, search warrants and statements of probable cause.
- Evaluates evidence relative to propriety of criminal charges and search warrants.
- Assembles and evaluates evidence, interviews and prepares witnesses for various court appearances.
- Represents the Commonwealth in the prosecution of cases at preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, trials before court and/or jury, post-verdict motions and appeals to Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania.
- Represents Commonwealth in Post-Conviction Relief Act hearings in the Court of Common Pleas and appeals there from to the Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania.
- Represents the Commonwealth in proceedings on writs of habeas corpus in United States District Court, Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.
- Represents the Commonwealth and the Court of Common Pleas in Indirect Criminal Contempt proceedings and all appeals there from.
- Represents the Commonwealth in Juvenile Court proceedings and all appeals there from.
- Represents the Commonwealth in summary appeals and appeals there from.
- Represents the Commonwealth in pre-trail conferences.
- Does legal research and makes oral arguments and prepares written briefs before all Commonwealth and federal courts of Pennsylvania.
- Responds to miscellaneous requests for legal opinions from law enforcement officers and the general public.
- Interacts with all other state and local law enforcement agencies and local individuals and organizations.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF THE JOB AS A CHIEF DEPUTY
Upon authority delegated by the District Attorney:
- Reviews, and evaluates the more complex criminal cases when needed suggesting methods of approach and advising on tactics and policy.
- Mentors and advises junior attorneys in the techniques and procedures of trial work.
- Advises and assists junior attorneys as required during trial preparation, actual litigation and on appellate issues.
- Advises junior attorneys on developments in the law, rules of evidence and points of a law which may be used in arguing cases.
- Studies, interprets/applies laws, court decisions, and other local legal authority to mentor junior attorneys in preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares and maintains the list of all criminal cases proceeding past call of the criminal trial list within the Chief Deputy’s assigned courtroom for purposes of determining their order of priority for trial under Pa.R.Crim.P. 600.
- Generally prosecutes the most complex and sensitive cases within the Chief Deputy’s assigned courtroom.
- Acts as a resource and internal consultant to junior attorneys within the District Attorney’s Office, other County departments, local law enforcement agencies, and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Acts as a liaison between the assigned judge and the assistant district attorneys within the Chief Deputy’s respective courtroom.
- Represents the District Attorney when needed in matters pertaining to policy or procedure with law enforcement agencies, judges, public officials, professional organizations and the news media.
OTHER DUTIES
- Attends continuing education courses on law enforcement and related issues.
- Attends meetings, seminars and training sessions as required.
- Performs other job related work as assigned by the District Attorney.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives occasional instruction and limited supervision from the District Attorney and First Assistant District Attorney in regard to daily work assignments.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
- Provides occasional instruction and limited supervision to the assistant district attorneys assigned within the Chief Deputy’s respective courtroom with regard to daily work assignments.
- Generally responsible for ensuring that the assistant district attorneys within the Chief Deputy’s assigned courtroom are trained and proficient in their handling of cases and that the difficulty and complexity of the cases they are handling match their respective skill level.
- In complex cases and as needed, approves recommendations of the assistant district attorneys within the Chief Deputy’s assigned courtroom of when to prosecute, compromise, dismiss or retry cases.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Works indoors in very crowded work space, lighting and ventilation, but with fluctuations in temperatures.
- Works with above average indoor exposure to noise, stress and disruptions.
- Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
- Works beyond normal work hours or works on-call as needed.
- Works daily with volatile and potentially hostile or aggressive individuals involved in cases.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
- Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching necessary to carry out job duties.
- Requires simple dexterity of fingers/hands; arms/legs; torso.
- Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten (10) pounds.
- Must demonstrate emotional stability.
- Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position
- Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS
A. EDUCATION/TRAINING
Juris doctor degree and admission to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Some training in computers helpful. Continuing legal education required.
B. WORK EXPERIENCE
At least three years of experience as a criminal prosecutor at either the state or federal level.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Must be able to speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instructions.
- Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must possess initiative and problem solving skills.
- Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
- Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
- Must possess thorough knowledge of state substantive and procedural law and rules of evidence.
- Must possess skill and ability to analyze, organize and present facts and evidence in legal proceedings.
- Must possess the ability to litigate cases effectively and prepare necessary briefs and arguments.
- Must possess the ability to practice effective time management, organization skills and to concentrate on work and details of several cases at once.
- Must possess a sense of fairness which allows for vigorous yet just prosecution of all offenders while protecting the rights of crime victims and society.
- Must possess the ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, and administrative regulations; to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and to arrive at logical interpretations.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
We offer an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and a retirement plan!
To apply for this position, please complete our online application. Franklin County is an equal opportunity employer.
If you need assistance completing the online application, please contact Human Resources at 717-261-3150.
