Assistant District Attorney - Post-Conviction Relief Act

Position: Assistant District Attorney


Unit: Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) Unit

Supervisor: Supervisor of PCRA 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 District Attorney's Office is seeking experienced attorneys to work as Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in its Post-Conviction Relief Act Unit (PCRA Unit). The PCRA Unit handles petitions filed by defendants challenging their convictions under the Post-Conviction Relief Act. These petitions raise claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, illegal sentence and new evidence. They may also include requests for discovery and DNA testing. The PCRA ADAs are tasked with answering these petitions by investigating the claims, researching case law, preparing briefs, conducting evidentiary hearings and presenting oral argument in the Court of Common Pleas.

The District Attorney's Office provides an exciting alternative to employment at a private law firm.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Review the record and evaluate the claims raised.
2. Research the legal claims.
3. Investigate the claims by speaking to witnesses and prior counsel.
4. Discuss the case with supervisors to determine whether to oppose relief, agree to an evidentiary hearing, or concede relief.
5. Prepare and file a written response with the court.
6. Handle evidentiary hearing, including questioning of witnesses.
7. Present oral argument.

Skills & Qualifications

• All candidates must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Candidates must have at least 3 years of legal experience practicing law following graduation from an accredited law school.
• Ideal candidates will have strong writing skills and/or courtroom litigation experience in trials or other evidentiary proceedings.
• Experience with cases involving serious felonies is a plus.
• Candidates must be organized, flexible, and capable of working under pressure.
• Candidates must be able to manage a large caseload.
• Candidates must be highly motivated researchers, comfortable with document-driven cases.
• Ability to develop and cultivate effective internal/external working relationships is essential.

Rewards/Benefits

This is an exempt employee with the City of Philadelphia. Immediately upon assuming office, the new hire will receive benefits similar to those of other City of Philadelphia employees, including the below benefits:

• 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 for 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.