Child Abuse Unit Chief

Description:

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office seeks to hire a trial attorney as the Child Abuse Unit Chief. (Bilingual candidates are enouraged to apply)
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County and is responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the county. The office handles cases in the District Courts (including Jury), Juvenile Courts and Superior Courts, and is responsible for all appeals to the State Appeals Court & MA Supreme Judicial Court. The Office provides critical services and programs to victims and their families and the community. The Office is a Commonwealth agency, established in accordance with MGL Chapter 12, Sections 12 & 13.
Responsibilities:

• Represent the Commonwealth in Superior Court criminal matters.
• Lead a dedicated team of attorneys, victim witness advocates, and forensic interviewers in investigation and prosecution of criminal matters impactful for children.
• Work closely with law enforcement, Department of Children & Families, and Kids' Place clinicians to ensure the most vulnerable victims have a voice and are protected during the investigation and prosecution phases.
• Represent the Berkshire DA's Office on numerous local, statewide and regional committees including the Child Fatality Review Team and MA Children's Alliance
• Review case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, police reports and charging decisions made by police agencies and make appropriate recommendations and changes as needed.
• Prepare and present cases to the Grand Jury for indictment consideration.
• Handle all pre-trial motions, evidentiary and non-evidentiary motions to suppress and dismiss heard in the Jury session and prepare written memoranda and briefs where appropriate.
• Prepare and present motions in limine and witness voir dire; motions for third-party records under Mass. R. Crim. Pro 17.
• Interview police, civilian, and expert witnesses and prepare them to testify.
• Draft opening statements and closing arguments, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, and review files for evidence preparation and presentation.
• Conference cases with victim witness advocates for trial preparation and dispositional decisions. Dispose of cases by plea, bench, or jury trial.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from accredited law school.
• Membership in Massachusetts Bar.
• 3-4 years criminal litigation experience in the Superior Court

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