Switching from PD to DA Forum

[Anonymous User]

Recently licensed attorney doing volunteer work with PD (eventually would not mind working for PD full-time/ in hopes of being hired) ; however, there is some openings in nearby counties for entry-level DAs (no experience needed.) I have been volunteering for about 1 1/2 months now 2-3 times a week with PD, and this is the only criminal experience I have. PD does not hire entry-level.

Is it hard to make the jump from PD to DA? I heard it is not hard for DA to make PD jump but harder from PD to DA. If I keep volunteering for PD am I screwing myself up even more in hopes of going for one of these entry-level DA gigs? I am seriously thinking of applying/ have applied for entry-level DA positions in nearby counties because I need a job, but will it be hard, and how do I express the volunteer work I am doing for PD and why I am doing it?

Thanks

[cavalier1138]

I heard it is not hard for DA to make PD jump but harder from PD to DA.

This is the opposite of most jurisdictions. Check with people in your area, but usually it's the PD office that refuses to take on anyone with prosecution experience. And if you're more interested in PD work long-term, you probably don't want to pick up a job at the DA's office.

[Anonymous User]

OP here,

Sorry for my misunderstanding. I do recall there being a topic on this before.. maybe it was the opposite, as you claim.. that is, that PD does not usually hire DA. That is why I was asking because I recall there being a discussion and general consensus on this.. and it may very well have been what you have said.

I will also check with my area. Yes, ultimately, it is what I want also and the kind of work I prefer to do at the end of the day.

[objctnyrhnr]

Das office should give you a look. The key will be spinning your pd experience in a way that the das office will be into, policy-wise. For example, if it’s a boston or a Philadelphia, you’d probably want to say something about eyes being open to plight of minorities or something. If it’s a more conservative district, you’ll probably want to say something about learning about all the loopholes defense attorneys take advantage of and frivolous arguments that they make and wanting to combat that for the sake of justice and on behalf of victims. Likely not literally either one of those things, but that’s the idea. You just need to be careful and make sure that your views generally align with those of the office to which you’re applying.