Assistant
District Attorney, Overview: As the busiest District Attorney's office in the
state outside of the City of New York and a felony conviction rate of 97%, the
Suffolk County District Attorney's Office relies on attracting law school graduates
with the potential to develop into outstanding prosecutors in order to maintain
one of the finest prosecutor's offices in the United States. The office seeks
candidates with diverse backgrounds and strong character traits who are committed
to public service. Each year over a thousand applicants apply for a limited
number of positions. Those selected are provided with extensive on-the-job-training
and are quickly given the opportunity to develop trial and appellate litigation
skills. The office maintains a Training and Education Bureau providing Assistant
District Attorneys with ongoing continuing educational opportunities and supplements
this training with that provided at the National District Attorneys Association's
National Advocacy Center and the New York State District Attorneys Association's
Prosecutor's Training Institute. The office is also at the forefront in providing
prosecutors with the technological tools needed to most vigorously represent
the people of New York State in criminal prosecutions. Starting annual salary
for new Assistants District Attorneys is competitive and includes a comprehensive
benefits plan. Requirements: Graduation from an accredited law school; United
States citizenship; Residency in the County of Suffolk; Record of academic excellence;
High moral character and sincere interest in public service. Benefits: Health
Insurance, including optical and dental benefits. Vacation, Personal and Sick
Time, Maternity and Disability Leave, Deferred Compensation, New York State
Retirement, Life Insurance, Legal and other benefits. Locations: (Suffolk County
is the eastern most county on Long Island). Career Track: New Assistant District
Attorneys ordinarily begin their tenure in the District Court Bureau where they
prosecute misdemeanor crimes and gain investigative and trial experience. Most
then move on the East End Bureau to gain additional experience and then to Case
Advisory Bureau where felony crimes are first processed. Later, A.D.A.s move
into the various bureaus of three divisions including Trial, Investigations
and Appeals where they develop specialized skills and develop experience in
various areas of the criminal law, including: Homicide; Rackets/Organized Crime;
Environmental Crime; Public Integrity; White Collar Crime; Narcotics; Gangs;
Major Crime; Family Crime; Elder Abuse; Computer/Internet crimes. Do You Have
What It Takes? Many successful applicants have served in internships in the
criminal justice system in prosecutors' offices, defense firms, public defender
offices and in judicial clerkships. The District Attorney encourages law students
to actively participate in intern/externship and legal clinical programs. Many
have been active in Law Review, Moot Court and Trial Advocacy programs. The
District Attorney also encourages involvement in community volunteerism and
other good citizenship activities. The Office evaluates candidates based on
life experience in addition to academic achievement and legal and professional
employment experience. Applicants must be well prepared for each of three levels
of interviews: On-campus/Initial Interviews (Based on performance, the initial
interview may be waived for participants in the Suffolk District Attorney's
Internship Program.) Mini-Panel Interviews with experienced Assistant District
Attorneys Final Panel Interview with the District Attorney and senior staff
members. Since the District Attorney's Office is a law enforcement agency, applicants
are subject to an extensive background investigation. The office maintains a
zero-tolerance policy for drug use and driving while intoxicated. All Assistant
District Attorneys are bound by the Canons of Ethics and the Ethical Guidelines
for the New York State District Attorneys Association. To apply for an Assistant
District Attorney position, send your resume and cover letter to: Mr. Edward
Flaherty; District Court Bureau Chief; Suffolk County District Attorney's Office;
400 Carleton Avenue; Central Islip, NY 11722.
