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Assistant State Attorney Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Licensing Attorney Direct Counsel is seeking a Licensing Attorney to join the Fintech & Financial ... Prepare, draft, and coordinate state licensing applications and regulatory filings. * Assist ...

The Managing Attorney will engage with private and public sector actors and help to lead EELP ... Assistants, and summer interns. Qualifications Basic Qualifications JD degree, admission to state ...

Managing Attorney

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$59/hr

The Managing Attorney will engage with private and public sector actors and help to lead EELP ... Assistants, and summer interns. Qualifications Basic Qualifications JD degree, admission to state ...

Attorney - Appeals Unit

Pittsfield, MA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... Unit as an Assistant District Attorney. Attorneys from diverse personal and professional ... Full-time positions offer a state benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant State Attorney information

See Massachusetts salary details

$57.9K

$94.4K

$151.3K

How much do assistant state attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant state attorney in Massachusetts is $94,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant State Attorney vs Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant State AttorneyProsecutor
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtroomsGovernment agencies, courts
Employer & IndustryState or local government, legal systemGovernment agencies, legal system
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Assistant State Attorneys and Prosecutors are legal professionals working within the criminal justice system, often in government settings. An Assistant State Attorney typically refers to a lawyer working under a State Attorney, handling criminal cases, and representing the government in court. A Prosecutor is a broader term that can include Assistant State Attorneys and other legal officials responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. The roles overlap significantly, with the main difference being that 'Prosecutor' is a general term, while 'Assistant State Attorney' specifies a particular position within the state's legal system.

What is an assistant state attorney?

Assistant State Attorneys are licensed lawyers who work for the government, typically under the direction of a State Attorney, to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state. They are responsible for reviewing evidence, filing charges, presenting cases in court, and working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Their duties may also include negotiating plea deals and advising police on legal matters. Assistant State Attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the law and protecting public safety within their jurisdiction.

What challenges do assistant state attorneys face when managing a heavy caseload?

Assistant State Attorneys often handle a large number of cases simultaneously, which requires exceptional time management and organizational skills. Balancing court appearances, legal research, witness preparation, and negotiations can create pressure, especially when deadlines overlap. Working closely with law enforcement, victims, and defense counsel also demands clear communication and adaptability. Successful attorneys rely on teamwork, available resources, and strategic prioritization to ensure each case receives the necessary attention.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant state attorney?

To excel as an Assistant State Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the state bar, and a solid understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and electronic filing systems is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help you effectively advocate in court and collaborate with law enforcement. These competencies ensure fair and efficient prosecution, uphold justice, and maintain public trust in the legal system.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Assistant State Attorney jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Assistant State Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant State Attorney job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,409 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Assistant District Attorney

Essex County District Attorney

Salem, MA โ€ข On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

District Court Assistant District Attorney
An Assistant District Attorney assigned to the District Court Division works under the supervision of the Deputy First Assistant District Attorney, the Director of Training and the Deputy Director of Training. An Assistant District Attorney is an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney.
The duties and responsibilities of a District Court Assistant District Attorney include:
Represent the Commonwealth before the Judges and Clerks of the District and Juvenile Courts;
Represent the Commonwealth, as assigned before the Judges and Clerks of the Superior Court;
Represent the Commonwealth, as assigned before the Judges and Clerks of the appellate courts of the Commonwealth;
Present Youthful Offender and Adult cases as assigned to the Grand Jury;
Evaluate cases, identify evidentiary issues, and take appropriate corrective action at the earliest possible pre-trial stage;
Thoroughly review appropriateness of charges at the arraignment and pretrial conference stages and take corrective action where warranted;
Become familiar with and adhere to office policies and procedures;
Become familiar with and adhere to office policies regarding sentencing recommendations;
Promptly send Direct Indictment Memos to the main office;
Notify the Deputy First Assistant or her designee of any high profile, newsworthy cases that might attract media attention;
Notify the Director of Media Relations of any high profile or newsworthy cases and direct all media inquiries at all stages of the criminal proceedings to his attention;
Consult with supervisory staff regarding any charging concessions, nolle prosequi or partial nolle prosequi filings consistent with office policy and procedures;
Research legal issues and prepare motions and memoranda of law, whenever necessary;
Thoroughly prepare assigned cases for trial and ensure that all witnesses have been properly notified in advance of trial;
Become familiar with and adhere to the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct;
Become familiar with Massachusetts law and procedure regarding suppression matters, grand jury practice, jury selection, evidence, opening statements and closing arguments;
Read and utilize the Massachusetts Prosecutor's Guide and the Model Jury Instructions for Use in the District Court on a regular basis;
Research and handle all assigned post conviction motions on cases including motions to revise and revoke and motions for new trial;
Promptly notify the appeals division of the following: any case in which a motion to suppress or dismiss is allowed that might bear further review; any case in which any appeal pleadings are filed including notices of appeal and applications for interlocutory appeal by defendant; any case in which any appellate court contacts our office.
Promptly notify the Deputy First Assistant, her designee and the appeals division of the following: any other motions including motions for new trial and motions to withdraw guilty plea that are decided adversely to the Commonwealth where appellate action may be appropriate;
Conduct and attend trainings as assigned;
Handle any additional duties and responsibilities assigned by the District Attorney or his designee;
Private practice of law directly or indirectly is prohibited, whether compensated or not.
Also, the Assistant District Attorney performs whatever other duties at whatever job-site as may from time to time be assigned to her/him by the District Attorney, or the Deputy
First Assistant District Attorney or other designee of the District Attorney. Assistant District Attorneys should expect to travel to any courthouse in Essex County.
In addition to these above responsibilities the Assistant District Attorney is required:
  • To be familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Essex District Attorney's Office Personnel Policies, and the Sexual Harassment Protocol,
  • To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions,
  • To communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law;
  • To interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and Office staff,
  • To complete work assignments in a timely manner.

The essential functions of the position require the effective ability to receive and distribute information in written, oral, and electronic form, in the English language.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • J.D. Degree from an accredited law school and a member of good standing of the Massachusetts Bar

This position could be in any of the following locations: Salem, Peabody, Lynn, Newburyport, Gloucester, Haverhill or Lawrence
All full-time positions offer a State benefit package that includes health, life, disability, and dental/vision insurances, retirement plans, vacation, personal and sick leave and more. Payroll is paid bi-weekly and based on a 37.5-hour work week (normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Essex District Attorney's Office is an EEO Employer.
EEO Statement:
It is the policy of the Essex District Attorney's Office to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state anti-discrimination law. The Essex District Attorney's Office is committed to and promotes equal opportunity and diversity.