Assistant District Attorney - Federal Litigation Unit

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.

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.

• 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 bank.
• Discuss the case with the supervisor to determine whether to oppose relief, agree to a hearing, or concede relief.
• Prepare and file response with the court.
• Handle any appeals to the Third Circuit.

• All candidates must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Candidate must have 3-8 years of legal experience (including state or federal clerkships) following graduation from an accredited law school.
• A commitment to anti-corruption and justice work is a must.
• Candidates must be highly motivated researchers, comfortable with document-driven cases that can take months or years to build.
• Candidates should be excellent writers.
• Candidates must be able to take initiative and be self-directed on non-deadline-oriented investigations.
• Candidates must be organized, flexible and capable of working under pressure.
• Ability to develop and cultivate effective internal/external working relationships is essential.
• Understanding of the uniquely sensitive and confidential nature of the professional services provided by the Office.

• Generous retirement savings options available (pension plan and etc.)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PFLF) Program qualified employer
• We offer comprehensive health coverage (medical, vision, prescription and dental) for employees and their eligible dependents
• Annual paid time off (PTO) package: 20 vacation days, 15 sick leave days, 11 paid holidays, 5 annual administrative leave
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Before tax commuter program
• Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Sick leave bonuses and exchanges
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applications will be active for one year from the date of receipt by the Office. All exempt employees of the District Attorney's Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The at-will relationship shall not be modified for any employee and no agreement, oral or written, shall be entered into that changes the at-will relationship.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.