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Assistant District Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY

Orion Placement

Litigation Attorney

Rochester, NY

$80K - $125K/yr

Join a respected, growing litigation team handling meaningful matters for public school districts ... Represent and assist clients in State and Federal Court and administrative proceedings. * Manage ...

Orion Placement

Litigation Attorney

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Join a respected, growing litigation team handling meaningful matters for public school districts ... Represent and assist clients in State and Federal Court and administrative proceedings. * Manage ...

Orion Placement

Employment Attorney

Rochester, NY

$110K - $160K/yr

About Us We are a focused legal practice dedicated to representing public school districts and ... matters. * Assist clients with labor relations matters, including labor contracts and related ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Batavia, NY · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first ...

All JobsDistrict Attorney JobsAssistant District Attorney JobsAssistant District Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY

Assistant District Attorney information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36.5K

$80.8K

$147.5K

How much do assistant district attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant district attorney in Rochester, NY is $80,786.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $92,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant district attorney?

An assistant district attorney (ADA) is a member of law enforcement who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the city or county district attorney’s office.There are many different types of ADAs and positions depend on experience and specialty, such as civil or criminal law. Your primary duties as an assistant district attorney are to review all the evidence in a particular criminal case and decide whether or not to proceed with a criminal prosecution against the defendant. You interview police officers, witnesses, victims, and specialists about the case and consult with the district attorney before deciding to go forward, offer a plea, or drop the case.

What does an assistant district attorney do?

An Assistant District Attorney (ADA) is a public prosecutor who represents the government in criminal cases at the county or district level. ADAs review evidence, decide whether to bring charges, and conduct prosecutions in court. Their duties include preparing cases, negotiating plea bargains, presenting evidence, and working closely with law enforcement. They play a key role in ensuring justice is served within their jurisdiction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant district attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant District Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar licensure, and a strong grasp of criminal law, trial procedure, and legal research. Familiarity with case management software, legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and courtroom technology is essential. Outstanding oral advocacy, ethical judgment, and the ability to work under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective prosecution, upholding of justice, and strong public trust in the legal system.

What are some common challenges assistant district attorneys face when managing their caseloads?

Assistant District Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases with varying levels of complexity, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing court appearances, motion practice, and meetings with victims or law enforcement can be demanding, especially when preparing for trial deadlines. Additionally, handling sensitive cases and making prosecutorial decisions under public scrutiny can add emotional and ethical challenges. Support from colleagues and clear communication within the office are vital for managing these pressures effectively.

What is the difference between Assistant District Attorney vs Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant District AttorneyProsecutor
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar licenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar license
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, legal teamsGovernment agencies, courts, legal offices
Industry UsageCommonly used in local government, district attorney's officesUsed broadly for legal prosecutors at various government levels

Both Assistant District Attorneys and Prosecutors require a JD and state licensure. Assistant District Attorneys typically work within district attorney's offices handling criminal cases, while Prosecutors may operate at different government levels. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Assistant District Attorney' specifically refers to those working under the District Attorney's office.

Can you be an assistant district attorney?

An assistant district attorney is a legal professional who works for the district attorney's office, prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the government. To become one, candidates typically need a law degree, a license to practice law, and relevant legal experience. The role often requires strong courtroom skills, knowledge of criminal law, and passing the state bar exam.

Is assistant district attorney a good job?

An assistant district attorney is a legal professional responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the government. The role offers opportunities for courtroom experience, legal skill development, and public service, often requiring a law degree and passing the bar exam. Job satisfaction depends on individual interests in criminal law and the work environment.
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Assistant District Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant District Attorney job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,786 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Assistant District Attorney

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Ontario County District Attorney is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant District Attorney positions in their office.
Salary: 2025 - New Associate level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $99,785/yr.
2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values: All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County's shared values and behaviors to achieve the County's Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in NYS is required. Practice of criminal law at the trial level is preferred, but not a requirement.
Description of Duties: The Ontario County District Attorney's Office is seeking Assistant District Attorney candidates who are looking to make a difference in the criminal justice system. The ideal candidates will be strong, independent workers who also excel at working as part of a team. The position will handle a full, manageable caseload of criminal matters including arraignments, discovery, pretrial proceedings, hearings and trials, investigations and legal research, preparation of pretrial motions and trial memoranda in proceedings of the state, county and local courts throughout Ontario County.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
SPECIAL NOTE: An Assistant District Attorney shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to Ontario County.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
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