Thank you for your interest in applying to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office as a lateral applicant!  A lateral applicant is an experienced attorney who is currently practicing law.

The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office is currently seeking experienced, practicing attorneys for its:

I. Litigation Division:
* County Court Bureau (responsible for the prosecution of felony-level criminal cases in Nassau County)
* Special Victims Bureau (prosecutes all cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse of vulnerable persons and child abuse. The Bureau contains two specialized units: The Human Trafficking Unit and the Elder Abuse Unit).
* Vehicular Crimes Bureau (handles felony-level driving while intoxicated/drug impaired and vehicular homicide/assault cases). 
and
II. Investigations Division
* Multiple bureaus (responsible for the prosecution of fraud, corruption, financial crimes, narcotics/firearms/gangs, organized crime and rackets cases).
and
III. Appeals Bureau - handles appeals and post-conviction motions filed by defendants, serves an important role in advising ADAs througout the Office on legal issues that arise during the investigative and trial stages of a case, and houses the Office's Mental Hygiene Unit and Freedom of Information Law Unit.
and
IV. Information Technology - oversees the installation and maintenance of computer network systems within the Office and ensures that the network runs smoothly. IT also assists members with computer and software issues and provides training to new members on the use of computer and digital equipment.  This role leverages legal training along with technology skills, inclusive of coding, development, case management analysis, database administration and cyber security administration.  

Nassau County was named the “Safest Community in America” by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. This distinction is not a coincidence – it is the direct result of the superb work of the talented, well-trained prosecutors at the Nassau County DA's Office.

With nearly 200 lawyers and a total staff of 450, the Nassau DA’s Office is one of the largest DA’s Offices in the country.  Because of our proximity to New York City, we enjoy a unique blend of suburban idyll (miles of oceanfront beaches, hundreds of parks and award-winning schools) and easy access to NYC’s robust cultural, nightlife and restaurant scenes.

Members of our legal staff are provided with training, mentorship and ongoing opportunities for professional development. In our collegial and collaborative environment, Assistant District Attorneys cultivate a professional home within the world of criminal justice and enjoy a rewarding and exciting position as a prosecutor.  Our diverse staff of Assistant District Attorneys is recruited and selected from a competitive pool of applicants nationwide. Our prosecutors bring with them passion and talent for courtroom advocacy and litigation, a commitment to pursuing justice and the ability to provide support to crime victims in need. Our Assistants choose to work in Nassau County because of its safety and vibrancy, and their personal dedication to preserving that environment for all its residents. 

Qualifications and Requirements

All lateral candidates must:

• have passed the NYS Bar Examination and be admitted to the practice of law in NYS, in good standing, prior to submitting an application;
• Reside in New York State as of the effective date of employment with the NCDAO;
• have at least five (5) years of experience in handling all aspects of criminal investigation and prosecution, including significant grand jury and felony jury trial experience (Litigation Division) and long-term investigations experience, as well  as grand jury and felony jury trial experience (Investigations Division);
• have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• have strong organizational and analytical abilities;
• make a two-year commitment to employment at the NCDAO;
• be a U.S. citizen as of the effective date of employment. Public Officer's Law §3(1).

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Day to day life for an ADA varies depending on bureau and division placement, but requires organized management of an active criminal case docket, including: 

• preparing and filing pleadings, handling discovery, briefing and arguing motions;
• conducting witness preparation, grand jury presentations, hearings and trials;
• evaluating cases to formulate and negotiate appropriate dispositions;
• conferencing cases with defense counsel and judges;
• making court appearances pertaining to all phases of litigation;
• investigating cases using various types of legal process (subpoenas, court orders, search warrants, and/or eavesdropping warrants), cooperating defendants, and traditional and electronic surveillance; and
• collaborating with the NCPD and Nassau County’s local police departments, as well as a variety of local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

Job Benefits

As an ADA, you will receive the following benefits (waiting periods may apply):

• 13 paid holidays each year
• Paid vacation, personal and sick days each year
• Contributory medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• New York State Employees Retirement Plan
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible benefits plan for medical and child-care expenses
• Childcare leave
• County Credit Union
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience 

Application Process

Lateral applicants will complete 2 rounds of interviews:

1. Panel Interview with two supervisory Assistant District Attorneys from the Hiring Committee
2. District Attorney Interview with DA Donnelly and the Chief Assistant District Attorney.