DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is professional legal work of a complex nature involving responsibility for the preparation and management of all facets of appellate work in the Putnam County District Attorney’s office. This includes legal research, motion practice, oral arguments, and when needed, assisting other legal staff in the preparation of the same. General supervision is received from the District Attorney. Work requires incumbent to be on call at nights and on weekends. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
- Represents the people of the State of New York in appellate litigation on a wide range of constitutional and statutory law issues;
- Addresses complex legal issues clearly and effectively in oral and written format;
- Briefs and argues a substantial caseload of appeals before the state courts;
- Briefs legal issues as they arise;
- Researches points of law;
- Ensures citation accuracy for staff office-wide;
- Assists other Assistant District Attorneys in motion response and legal research as needed;
- Handles the caseload of one local court or County Court appearances as needed;
- Performs related work as required
Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.
SUGGESTED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Comprehensive knowledge of New York State substantive and procedural criminal law and court procedure; Thorough knowledge of law enforcement and investigative techniques; good knowledge of prosecutorial ethics; Significant ability for legal research; ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to new and difficult legal problems; ability to act as a resource other criminal justice agencies including law enforcement, probation, defense counsel, corrections, and the general public, as needed; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ethical conduct in the practice of law; sound professional judgment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a license and current registration to practice law in the State of New York and other qualifications as the District Attorney may prescribe.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Three or more years of appellate experience in the New York State and/or the Federal Court System.
RESIDENCY NOTE: Pursuant to Public Officers Law §3.55, the Assistant District Attorney may be a resident of Putnam County or an adjoining county within the state of New York. However, pursuant to County Law §702.4 and §702.5, if the holder of the Assistant District Attorney office is designated by the District Attorney to assume the duties of the District Attorney upon the District Attorney’s absence from the County, or upon the District Attorney’s inability to perform his or her duties, Putnam County residency is required.
6/24; 10/24
Exempt Class
