District Attorney Offices 2017 Forum

[Anonymous User]

Current Bronx ADA here. I've seen a bunch of you guys and gals on the elevators this month (wishing you good luck) and I figured I'd chip in to answer some questions. These few months of interviewing and not knowing where you'd end up (or if you'll get a job) were the most stressful to me in law school.

My timeline was first round end of Sept., second round mid November, and third/final round end of Nov. I didn't get offered until mid December.

Everyone's timeline is different. I think I was the first offer for people in my law school. I think late January was the last one. Going into December the process slows down because of all the holidays, so just remember as a general rule here "No News is Good News". People in my hiring class were getting offers well into March it seems.

I skimmed the thread and saw people were put off or felt like shit after the panel. This is par for the course, and was my experience as well. Really, at every office's panels. I hated my panel interviewers, but now that I know them I realize it's all for show. They are trying their damnedest to rattle you, to see how well you can keep your poise, and intelligently respond. They will read your LORs, resume, transcript, and application looking for pressure points, and will stomp all over them. I don't think I got a single hypo and the panel descended into us essentially sniping at each-other because I figured "what the hell" after 2 minutes. Know why prosecution and why Bronx. They know you'd be an idiot to only apply to the Bronx so be genuine in your answers. Don't try to bullshit them, you will fuck up.

As for the LORs and photo. It's obviously better to have them at your panel. You knew from the initial application that you'd need them and should have had enough time to assemble them. Pro-tip, when asking for a recommendation, offer to draft it. I gave all my references different draft letters with excerpts from past evaluations (if I had them) and then they edited it further. It makes the process go so much faster. Sealed or unsealed I don't think matters as they just opened them and read them in front of me. I forgot my passport photo the day of, but there's a passport photo place on 161st by the subway. Keep in touch with your references, if they are getting calls, it is likely that a third round interview is coming within a week (which is why it's better to have your LORs ready to go).

As for the third round, I had a DA Johnson interview but it was short and sweet. ~50% received an offer after this stage, but it's so short I honestly can't tell you specifically what I did that got me an offer.

Thank you for sharing this info. I have my second round tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have only 2 LORs, one attorney needs some time (hopefully by next week)--- I am afraid of what will happen tomorrow but will do my best. I will read their press releases to get a good idea of the county.

Same anon here. Good luck. Just be ready for it to be another "pressure point".

[Anonymous User]

Has the Bronx DA begun making offers yet? What is the timeline after second round/third round interviews?

[Anonymous User]

Has the Bronx DA begun making offers yet? What is the timeline after second round/third round interviews?

no idea if they started making offers.

I had my first round on September 15th. second round oct 21st. still waiting to see if i made it through.

[martindale]

Has the Bronx DA begun making offers yet? What is the timeline after second round/third round interviews?

no idea if they started making offers.

I had my first round on September 15th. second round oct 21st. still waiting to see if i made it through.

Thanks. I had my second round on Oct 21st as well. I also am waiting to see if I made it through.

[Anonymous User]

Has the Bronx DA begun making offers yet? What is the timeline after second round/third round interviews?

no idea if they started making offers.

I had my first round on September 15th. second round oct 21st. still waiting to see if i made it through.

Thanks. I had my second round on Oct 21st as well. I also am waiting to see if I made it through.

Has anyone heard from Manhattan DA or Brooklyn DA or Suffolk DA NY for the 1st round?

Did anyone have their 3rd round interview with Queens--- any tips?

Did anyone have their 3rd round with bronx da yet? (if so, how long after the 2nd round?)

[martindale]

Has the Bronx DA begun making offers yet? What is the timeline after second round/third round interviews?

no idea if they started making offers.

I had my first round on September 15th. second round oct 21st. still waiting to see if i made it through.

Thanks. I had my second round on Oct 21st as well. I also am waiting to see if I made it through.

Has anyone heard from Manhattan DA or Brooklyn DA or Suffolk DA NY for the 1st round?

Did anyone have their 3rd round interview with Queens--- any tips?

Did anyone have their 3rd round with bronx da yet? (if so, how long after the 2nd round?)

Had Manhattan round 1 - I know they have already begun making offers

Scheduled for Bronx DA final round. 3 weeks between 2nd and 3rd round

[Anonymous User]

Has the Bronx DA begun making offers yet? What is the timeline after second round/third round interviews?

no idea if they started making offers.

I had my first round on September 15th. second round oct 21st. still waiting to see if i made it through.

Thanks. I had my second round on Oct 21st as well. I also am waiting to see if I made it through.

Has anyone heard from Manhattan DA or Brooklyn DA or Suffolk DA NY for the 1st round?

Did anyone have their 3rd round interview with Queens--- any tips?

Did anyone have their 3rd round with bronx da yet? (if so, how long after the 2nd round?)

Email from Brooklyn last week setting up 1st round interviews for those of us who are applying from outside the OCI process (ie out of state 3ls). Still no word yet either way from NYDA, Bronx or Queens for a non-OCI application.

[Anonymous User]

How long did it take to hear between DANY 2nd and 3rd rounds?

[Anonymous User]

.

[Anonymous User]

I recently got hired in CA, I didn't have much of a choice because they only gave me a couple of days to choose and I didn't want to drop the offer. The only problem is that the pay is $51K. The other entry DA jobs I was looking were paying at least $70K. I love the work though, and the people are great, so no complaints, but the pay and location... :/

[Anonymous User]

I recently got hired in CA, I didn't have much of a choice because they only gave me a couple of days to choose and I didn't want to drop the offer. The only problem is that the pay is $51K. The other entry DA jobs I was looking were paying at least $70K. I love the work though, and the people are great, so no complaints, but the pay and location... :/

But if the location sucks, the CoL is low? Right?

I dunno CA, I'm stretching 62k in NYC over here.
Our PDs start 5k lower and have a way bigger caseload.

[seasidemama]

Hi Everyone. I figured I'd go ahead and pull the trigger here. I found last year's thread invaluable in learning about the process and updating each-other on progress.

Another iteration of this thread lists these offices as the Pre-Bar hiring Offices:

Cook County State's Attorney - Chicago, IL
Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney - Miami, FL
Philadelphia District Attorney's Office - Philadelphia, PA
District Attorney of New York (Manhattan) - NY, NY
Bronx District Attorney - Bronx, NY
Nassau County District Attorney - Long Island, NY
Kings County District Attorney (Brooklyn) - Brooklyn, NY
Queens County District Attorney - Queens, NY
Suffolk County District Attorney - Long Island, NY
Suffolk County District Attorney - Boston, MA
King County (Seattle) - Seattle, WA


In addition, a fair amount of people in these offices tend to lurk here and likely would be able to address any questions. Personally, I was just hired at one of the NYC offices last year and start this fall. I'll be happy to give you guys some limited insight without "outing" myself.

A very non-traditional applicant question here...

I graduated from a NYC school years ago and never took the bar until this past July (personal reasons, mainly raising a family). I passed the bar exam - self studied and got a 299 on the UBE .

While in LS I interned at the NYAG's office for 2 years, first in the summer of 1L then was invited for the remainder of LS.
Loved my work there. I have good recommendations from the NYAG office as well.

Prior to law school I worked in the technology industry and even co-owned a small design firm.

Looking forward, it would truly be a dream come true to become an ADA in Kings County or NYC. In fact, one of the reasons that propelled me to pursue a law degree was a court case in Kings county where one of my close relatives was a victim of a violent crime.

I realize I'm not a lateral hire, nor am I a student...

Any tips or advice and chances of landing a spot?

Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Hey all-

Has anyone received an offer from Philly? I know their timeline is supposed to be around December but someone from my school already has an offer (and she didn't intern there 2L summer).

Also, has anyone heard anything about a third round in Brooklyn? It's apparently going to be the final round and one of my classmates has already scheduled his but when I called I got a sort of canned answer about them conducting panels through mid-December so they will communicate with all candidates around then. The canned answer definitely made me feel uneasy.

[Anonymous User]

Hey all-

Has anyone received an offer from Philly? I know their timeline is supposed to be around December but someone from my school already has an offer (and she didn't intern there 2L summer).

As for the Philly portion of your post, I haven't heard anything from the office regarding an offer or a snub. I had my panel about 3 weeks ago.

[elendinel]

Hi Everyone. I figured I'd go ahead and pull the trigger here. I found last year's thread invaluable in learning about the process and updating each-other on progress.

Another iteration of this thread lists these offices as the Pre-Bar hiring Offices:

Cook County State's Attorney - Chicago, IL
Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney - Miami, FL
Philadelphia District Attorney's Office - Philadelphia, PA
District Attorney of New York (Manhattan) - NY, NY
Bronx District Attorney - Bronx, NY
Nassau County District Attorney - Long Island, NY
Kings County District Attorney (Brooklyn) - Brooklyn, NY
Queens County District Attorney - Queens, NY
Suffolk County District Attorney - Long Island, NY
Suffolk County District Attorney - Boston, MA
King County (Seattle) - Seattle, WA


In addition, a fair amount of people in these offices tend to lurk here and likely would be able to address any questions. Personally, I was just hired at one of the NYC offices last year and start this fall. I'll be happy to give you guys some limited insight without "outing" myself.

A very non-traditional applicant question here...

I graduated from a NYC school years ago and never took the bar until this past July (personal reasons, mainly raising a family). I passed the bar exam - self studied and got a 299 on the UBE .

While in LS I interned at the NYAG's office for 2 years, first in the summer of 1L then was invited for the remainder of LS.
Loved my work there. I have good recommendations from the NYAG office as well.

Prior to law school I worked in the technology industry and even co-owned a small design firm.

Looking forward, it would truly be a dream come true to become an ADA in Kings County or NYC. In fact, one of the reasons that propelled me to pursue a law degree was a court case in Kings county where one of my close relatives was a victim of a violent crime.

I realize I'm not a lateral hire, nor am I a student...

Any tips or advice and chances of landing a spot?

Thanks!

Do you have any crim law experience?

[seasidemama]

Do you have any crim law experience?

[/quote]

Other than an A in law school (whatever that's worth if at all..).. no... my work with the AG was civil litigation, namely consumer protection.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have any last minute advice for Queens DA third round?

[Anonymous User]

This is probably a silly question, but as someone who just passed the NY Bar and will be sworn-in in January. Is it worth throwing an application in to the NYC area DA offices or just wait until next year? I'm currently a local prosecutor in a different (large) market. I figured I would apply next year but thought I'd ask anyways.

Also, does anyone know the if the NYC area offices have commitments? Thanks!

[encore1101]

This is probably a silly question, but as someone who just passed the NY Bar and will be sworn-in in January. Is it worth throwing an application in to the NYC area DA offices or just wait until next year? I'm currently a local prosecutor in a different (large) market. I figured I would apply next year but thought I'd ask anyways.

Also, does anyone know the if the NYC area offices have commitments? Thanks!

Try going to lawjobs.com to see if there are any lateral positions available. I've seen my office, as well as Bronx, hire laterals for specific bureaus (appeals, riker's island, conviction integrity, etc.).

NYC offices typically have 3 year commitments, even for laterals.

[Anonymous User]

This is probably a silly question, but as someone who just passed the NY Bar and will be sworn-in in January. Is it worth throwing an application in to the NYC area DA offices or just wait until next year? I'm currently a local prosecutor in a different (large) market. I figured I would apply next year but thought I'd ask anyways.

Also, does anyone know the if the NYC area offices have commitments? Thanks!

Try going to lawjobs.com to see if there are any lateral positions available. I've seen my office, as well as Bronx, hire laterals for specific bureaus (appeals, riker's island, conviction integrity, etc.).

NYC offices typically have 3 year commitments, even for laterals.

Agree, Bronx has been throwing money at lateral hiring this year (to get a lot of them, not to pay them well). If you are already a prosecutor with trials under your belt, I would even forego lawjobs.com and call them directly.

[Anonymous User]

Do you have any crim law experience?

Other than an A in law school (whatever that's worth if at all..).. no... my work with the AG was civil litigation, namely consumer protection.[/quote]

How long have you been out of law school?

Why prosecution?

If you've always wanted to do it, why did you not pursue any crim law experience?

These are questions you are going to get asked and where you need genuine answers. Even then, the only thing I can think of is to get a volunteer position for a year at an office, or really hustle for an admin agency "prosecutor office", think liquor board, department of buildings, etc. (not easy gigs). Even if you were fresh out of law school, it's kind of an unofficial requirement that you have interned at some crim law placement. The only thing I can think of that would make a difference is school tier/class ranking. Like maybe manhattan would gloss over the lack of crim law experience for a T6 grad?

[seasidemama]

Do you have any crim law experience?

Other than an A in law school (whatever that's worth if at all..).. no... my work with the AG was civil litigation, namely consumer protection.

How long have you been out of law school?

Why prosecution?

If you've always wanted to do it, why did you not pursue any crim law experience?

These are questions you are going to get asked and where you need genuine answers. Even then, the only thing I can think of is to get a volunteer position for a year at an office, or really hustle for an admin agency "prosecutor office", think liquor board, department of buildings, etc. (not easy gigs). Even if you were fresh out of law school, it's kind of an unofficial requirement that you have interned at some crim law placement. The only thing I can think of that would make a difference is school tier/class ranking. Like maybe manhattan would gloss over the lack of crim law experience for a T6 grad?[/quote]


Got it. Thanks for the honest feedback. I do have sincere answers for the above questions. I know my supervising attorney at the AG's office moved from ADA to AAG, criminal to civil - I wasn't aware of the fact that moving from civil to criminal was so much more difficult.

[elendinel]

How long have you been out of law school?

Why prosecution?

If you've always wanted to do it, why did you not pursue any crim law experience?

These are questions you are going to get asked and where you need genuine answers. Even then, the only thing I can think of is to get a volunteer position for a year at an office, or really hustle for an admin agency "prosecutor office", think liquor board, department of buildings, etc. (not easy gigs). Even if you were fresh out of law school, it's kind of an unofficial requirement that you have interned at some crim law placement. The only thing I can think of that would make a difference is school tier/class ranking. Like maybe manhattan would gloss over the lack of crim law experience for a T6 grad?

Got it. Thanks for the honest feedback. I do have sincere answers for the above questions. I know my supervising attorney at the AG's office moved from ADA to AAG, criminal to civil - I wasn't aware of the fact that moving from civil to criminal was so much more difficult.

I wouldn't say it's hopeless (if you try being a volunteer attorney for at least a year, you may be in a better position to get a real ADA job later), but it's not the kind of job you just fall into. It's something some young lawyers have trained their whole lives to do, and you have to compete against that; when some of these people have undergrad internships on their resume, "I've always wanted to do crim law but I decided not to do a single crim internship/take extensive crim coursework, and instead did standard civil-type stuff all three years" just isn't going to stand out very well. Unless your excuse is "my school literally doesn't offer any other criminal law courses/I lived 20 miles away from the nearest DA office and couldn't fit it into my schedule," expect a lot of pushback and raised eyebrows.

The problem with just deciding out of the blue that you want to do crim law (in addition to standing out in the candidate pool) is that ADAs are going to want a 3-year commitment, and to trust that you'll honor that commitment, they typically want to see something that indicates that you really want to do the job/you already understand what you're getting into. Because having interest in crim law because of a case you saw years ago won't mean a thing if six months in you find your job extremely depressing and you're no longer sure $61k is enough to do it. Doing civil work for several years doesn't really demonstrate interest in crim law; especially if you don't already have a job now and didn't try to apply for ADA positions/internships/etc. already, they're probably going to think you're only reaching out to them now as a last-resort because you had no other options (not saying this is true, but it will likely be the impression they get), and that you'll leave for a better-paying civil position as soon as you can find one (again, not necessarily true, but it is a likely impression).

[seasidemama]

How long have you been out of law school?

Why prosecution?

If you've always wanted to do it, why did you not pursue any crim law experience?

These are questions you are going to get asked and where you need genuine answers. Even then, the only thing I can think of is to get a volunteer position for a year at an office, or really hustle for an admin agency "prosecutor office", think liquor board, department of buildings, etc. (not easy gigs). Even if you were fresh out of law school, it's kind of an unofficial requirement that you have interned at some crim law placement. The only thing I can think of that would make a difference is school tier/class ranking. Like maybe manhattan would gloss over the lack of crim law experience for a T6 grad?

Got it. Thanks for the honest feedback. I do have sincere answers for the above questions. I know my supervising attorney at the AG's office moved from ADA to AAG, criminal to civil - I wasn't aware of the fact that moving from civil to criminal was so much more difficult.

I wouldn't say it's hopeless (if you try being a volunteer attorney for at least a year, you may be in a better position to get a real ADA job later), but it's not the kind of job you just fall into. It's something some young lawyers have trained their whole lives to do, and you have to compete against that; when some of these people have undergrad internships on their resume, "I've always wanted to do crim law but I decided not to do a single crim internship/take extensive crim coursework, and instead did standard civil-type stuff all three years" just isn't going to stand out very well. Unless your excuse is "my school literally doesn't offer any other criminal law courses/I lived 20 miles away from the nearest DA office and couldn't fit it into my schedule," expect a lot of pushback and raised eyebrows.

The problem with just deciding out of the blue that you want to do crim law (in addition to standing out in the candidate pool) is that ADAs are going to want a 3-year commitment, and to trust that you'll honor that commitment, they typically want to see something that indicates that you really want to do the job/you already understand what you're getting into. Because having interest in crim law because of a case you saw years ago won't mean a thing if six months in you find your job extremely depressing and you're no longer sure $61k is enough to do it. Doing civil work for several years doesn't really demonstrate interest in crim law; especially if you don't already have a job now and didn't try to apply for ADA positions/internships/etc. already, they're probably going to think you're only reaching out to them now as a last-resort because you had no other options (not saying this is true, but it will likely be the impression they get), and that you'll leave for a better-paying civil position as soon as you can find one (again, not necessarily true, but it is a likely impression).

I honestly don't remember why I applied to the AG's office before the DA, I vaguely recall deadlines being different. I was very lucky in that I was at the beginning of my summer internship search, sent out 3 applications, was called to the AG and immediately offered the job... Couldn't and didn't want to refuse - then was offered to stay on for the remainder of LS and was very lucky and thankful for the opportunity. I completely see where you are coming from and understand your points. Maybe because I have more life experience than younger applicants - I do see the commitment and responsibility the job brings with it.. I appreciate the tips. I will try and look for some pro bono opportunities and revisit in the fall.

[mes10d]

Just wanted to provide an odd timeline several of my classmates and I experienced from Bx:

Interviewed first week of August.
Two of them received calls 2.5 weeks ago and had their 2nd rounds last Thurs.
I received a call last Weds. and am having my 2nd this week.

(Not sure what the 3+ month delay means, but oh well!)

*reiterating that no news is good news*