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Entry-Level Assistant District Attorney

There is no more important position available to law graduates than that of Assistant District Attorney.  The Office of the Queens County District Attorney is currently accepting applications for our Fall 2026 Class.  The Fall 2026 Class begins on September 8, 2026. 

The Office, led by District Attorney Melinda Katz, is seeking talented and motivated law students and attorneys. The ideal candidate will share her commitment to fair and just prosecutions, while assuring the safety of all those in Queens. The District Attorney is dedicated to combating violent crime and keeping our communities safe while embracing new, innovative approaches to criminal justice. 

The Office is responsible for prosecuting all levels of crime in Queens County. Entry-level Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) will begin with an initial rigorous training program in criminal law and procedure, as well as ethics. After completing this program, the members of the class will enter a rotation of entry-level bureaus, including Intake, Criminal Court or Domestic Violence, and Appeals. Each of these entry-level bureaus give ADAs immediate courtroom experience, including arraignments, calendar calls, as well as misdemeanor hearings and trials. During this initial phase of their careers, ADAs will receive continuous training in criminal law and advocacy. Many assignments include evening, weekend and holiday responsibilities.

After completing this rotation, ADAs are encouraged to move to a Felony Trial Bureau, which may include dynamic riding responsibilities at crime scenes, conducting line-ups, and pre-arrest investigations under the direction and supervision of top-notch career prosecutors. Through career counseling, the Office is committed to producing well-rounded prosecutors and ADAs may eventually advance to more senior bureaus within the one of our divisions.  All entry-level prosecutors participate in events with our Community Partnerships Division.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant Law School Classes: Criminal Procedure I and II, Evidence, Trial Advocacy
• Relevant Experience: Trial Team Competitions; Internships; Clinics; Moot Court Competitions
• Academically Ranked in the Top Half of Class

Application Process

The process to apply to be an Assistant District Attorney is set forth in detail, including FAQs, on our Career webpage: https://queensda.org/careers/

Entry-level salary is $85,000; upon admission to the New York State Bar, the salary is $90,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, 401K and more. A three-year commitment to serve in the Office is also required. Pursuant to Public Officers Law Section 3(1), United States citizenship is required of all Assistant District Attorneys upon commencement of their employment, as is New York State residency.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter addressed to the Director of Legal Hiring, Courtney Finnerty, by clicking on the link below.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans