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Chief Assistant District Attorney Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Exempt Adopted: 1/1/16 Amended: 9/19/17; 10/13/22; 5/30/23; 6/27/24 CHIEF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves all the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant District Attorney plus the added responsibility of performing duties of the District Attorney in his or her absence and supervision of staff. Regular conferences with the District Attorney are required to keep abreast of developments and confidential matters otherwise known only to the District Attorney. The work is performed under the general supervision of the District Attorney and involves direct supervision of all Assistant District Attorneys and support staff. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Exercises the District Attorney’s authority in his/her absence; Monitors Assistant District Attorneys caseloads to ensure coverage of all court appearances, hearings, trials and grand jury presentations; Second Seat Assistant District Attorney for all stages of felony and misdemeanor trials; Training Assistant District Attorneys to investigate criminal cases, conduct hearings, trials, and grand jury presentations, to gather and prepare evidence, to prepare witnesses; Conducts performance evaluations of subordinate staff; Reviews the work of attorneys to ensure procedures and laws are being followed; Participates in interviews with potential employees, makes recommendations for hiring; Manages assigned cases on intake by examining case file, including complaint and report form, and determining facts and legal issues; Works with law enforcement agencies by rendering legal advice, assisting in investigation, coordinating activities on particular cases and preparing search warrants; Prepares and prosecutes cases in local courts by handling violations, and misdemeanors, discussing legal concepts with magistrates, preparing for preliminary hearings and taking bail recommendations; Prepares cases for Grand Jury presentment, including evaluating evidence, statements, photographs, sketches and reports; Researches law to determine legal requirements and evidence necessary to prosecute cases; Secures indictments, prosecutor’s information or finding of dismissal from Grand Jury; Prepares cases for trial by responding to motions, preparing for hearings, evaluating case, plea-bargaining and discussing case with District Attorney; Prepares for trial by researching law and rules of evidence, preparing trial file of evidence, reviews prospective jurors, reviews trial charges by judge and develops trial strategy; Tries cases, including jury selection, presentation of cases, preparing opening statements and preparing closing summations; Responds to telephone calls from citizens, agencies and law enforcement agencies; May handle appeals by preparing brief, arguing appeal in the Appellate Division and seeking permission to Court of Appeals if not a matter of right; May handle post judgment motions, including receiving motions to vacate judgment, preparing response and brief and arguing motion in superior court. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chief Assistant District Attorney Page 2 I 2 FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of criminal law and court proceedings; Good knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence; Ability to interpret and work with New York State and Federal criminal code; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to reason quickly and logically in stressful situations; Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents in order to render an accurate legal opinion; Ability to analyze and organize facts effectively; Ability to prepare for and present cases in court; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the job. SUGGESTED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a license to practice law in New York State. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be a U.S. citizen in accordance with Public Officers Law.