Assistant District Attorney

Position: Assistant District Attorney

Unit: Federal Litigation Unit

Supervisor: Supervisor Federal Litigation Unit

Company Description

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is the largest prosecutor's office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 700 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. Our Assistant District Attorneys are dedicated to public service, public safety, and justice for all involved in the criminal justice system.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, in particular, is committed to several citywide collaborations aimed at reducing Philadelphia's jail population and improving the criminal justice system overall.

**Please note that effective September 1, 2021, the City of Philadelphia requires all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. **

To attain a job with the city, you must be a City of Philadelphia resident within 6 months (180 days) of hire and able to work completely in the office.

Summary of Job
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is seeking Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in the Federal Litigation Unit. Federal litigation ADAs handle their own caseload in district court, conduct evidentiary hearings, respond to habeas petitions, handle appeals to the Third Circuit, draft appellate briefs, and conduct Third Circuit oral argument. Their responsibilities include reviewing cases for serious constitutional violations that may have occurred in the underlying state criminal trial. Most habeas petitioners are unrepresented, which is why ADAs play a significant role in reviewing the file and ensuring that justice is done in each case. The District Attorney's Office provides an exciting alternative to employment at a private law firm.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Review the state court record and evaluate the claims raised.
• Coordinate with opposing counsel regarding discovery.
• Research the legal claims under federal law: case law, statutes, WestLaw practice guides, and the office brief