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Montgomery County Assistant Attorney-Appeals

EXEMPT: Yes
DEPARTMENT: District Attorney
POSITION REPORTING: Appeals Captain
LAST UPDATE: 11/2024
MINIMUM BASE SALARY: $72,200.00

SUMMARY:

Assistant District Attorneys assume responsibility for fair and ethical prosecution of a variety of crimes, with Trials Assistant District Attorneys taking on the cases from the time an investigation begins through post-sentence motions, and Appellate Assistant District Attorneys taking over the cases following the post-sentence motions and continuing throughout the pendency of the appellate process.

Appellate Assistant District Attorneys handle all types of cases in the post-conviction phase, ranging from summary convictions to capital offenses. They specialize in conducting legal research, both in support of their own cases and to assist trial prosecutors in their cases.  Additionally, they litigate post-conviction hearings in the Court of Common Pleas, handle federal habeas corpus petitions in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit, and regularly argue cases before both the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Handle all types of cases at the post-conviction level including homicides, drug deliveries resulting in death, rape, burglary, robbery, and drug and firearms offenses.
  • Research, draft, and file responses in opposition to defendants’ Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) petitions.
  • Litigate PCRA evidentiary hearings and miscellaneous post-conviction hearings in the Court of Common Pleas.
  • Research, draft, and file appellate briefs in the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
  • Argue appeals before the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts and the Third Circuit.
  • Research, draft, and file responses in opposition to petitions for a writ of habeas corpus in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
  • Litigate evidentiary hearing on habeas petitions in the District Court.
  • Review defendants’ filings to ensure the integrity of the conviction.
  • Summarize recent case law for Law Enforcement Newsletter distributed to local police departments.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda offering guidance to attorneys throughout the Office.
  • Regularly review recent case law and provide summaries of relevant decisions.
  • Review and recommend dispositions on Board of Pardon applications.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

  • Law Degree and Pennsylvania Bar admission
  • Good communications skills, both oral and written
  • Strong decision-making skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Appellate advocacy skills
  • Trial advocacy skills
  • Knowledge of the criminal justice system
  • Knowledge of Pennsylvania legal and ethical standards applicable to prosecutors
  • Familiarity with District Attorney’s Office structure, mission and policies
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
  • Time management skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Resumes can be sent to Adrienne.Jappe@montgomerycountypa.gov.