Assistant District Attorney I Salary $70,562.72 Annually Location: Justice Center - West Chester, PA Job Type: Full Time, Exempt Job Number: 04330 Department: District Attorney Division District Attorney Opening Date: 02/19/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Weekly Hours: 40 Shift: 8:30am-4:30pm
Description The Attorney I for the District Attorney's office is responsible for prosecuting criminal matters in the County of Chester.
Essential Duties Prepare for trials, motions and hearings. Review files, interview witnesses and victims, review evidence and visit the scene of the crime. Prepare offers and negotiate with defense counsel. Review the laws relating to the case and determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Use sentencing guidelines to generate offers for plea bargains, and negotiate plea bargains or proceed to trial. Represent the interests of the Commonwealth in bench or jury trials. Handle jury selection and prepare proposed jury instructions. Conduct direct examination of Commonwealth witnesses. Conduct cross-examination of defense witnesses. Argue objections. Prepare and present exhibits as allowed by the rules of evidence. Prepare and present closing arguments. General case management (i.e., meeting judge-imposed deadlines and maintaining caseload). Handle the miscellaneous and summary appeals list. Negotiate plea bargains for summary citations and, when appropriate, conduct trial de novo on charges. Responsible for on-call duties once a quarter for a period of seven days/ 24 hours a day. Handle hearings for indirect criminal contempt charges filed against those who violate Protection from Abuse Orders. Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.
Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. License to practice law in Pennsylvania. Strong legal research skills. Excellent writing and reading skills. Ability to work independently. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Accurate and detail-oriented. Ability to establish priorities and multi-task. Ability to research applicable case law and cite cases. Must attend 12 hours of CLE annually. Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal and Appellate Procedures. Working knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys. A valid driver's license is required for this position.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
Three years of experience as a law clerk. Working knowledge of legal processes involved in Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary civil and criminal dockets. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Must be able to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters. Exhibits sound and accurate judgement. Knowledge and skill with modern office equipment (fax, copier, calculator, etc.). Intermediate skill to use a personal computer and various software packages. Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions. Ability to remain focused on daily operations. Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.
Additional Information
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
Basic to Intermediate Word skills. Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar). Westlaw legal research skills. Experience with Court system software.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, climb stairs, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, lift and carry items, and drive to and from different locations. On rare occasions, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulder height; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; and drive a vehicle to and from different locations.
The special vision requirement listed for this position is: Close vision: for computer work, reading and writing.
Work Environment:
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Will work inside 100% of the time. This position requires sitting for extended periods of time.
Other:
Must be able to work extended hours, as necessary. This position requires professionalism. Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
The County of Chester offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our Benefits here.
Do you have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school or are you a Juris Doctorate candidate? Yes No
Are you a Member of the Pennsylvania Bar or ability to obtain a license to practice law in Pennsylvania within one year? Yes No
Do you have a current and valid driver's license? Yes No
Required Question Employer: County of Chester Address: 313 W Market St Suite 4302 West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19380 Phone: 610-344-6000 Website: https://www.chesco.org/