Application Process

Each year more than 1,600 law school graduates and admitted attorneys apply for positions as Assistant District Attorneys. There are typically 50-60 openings each year for legal staff positions. Most of the staff is hired directly out of law school. Some of the staff join the Office after clerking or practicing law elsewhere. United States citizenship is required of all Assistant District Attorneys upon commencement of their employment as is New York State residency. A three year commitment to serve in the Office is also required.

At the beginning of the law school year, the Office interviews at more than forty law schools and job fairs.

Applicants who do not obtain one of the interviewing appointments at their law school are encouraged to request an in-house interview. We also conduct in-house interviews for law students attending law schools that we do not visit and for lateral applicants.

Applicants are required to submit a resume, official law school transcript, writing sample, and a list of professional references at the first interview. The deadline for applicants seeking positions with the Class of 2009 is November 15, 2008. We interview law clerks and laterals all year round.

Applicants fit no particular profile and the Office considers academic performance as only one indicator of an applicant's potential. Equally important are qualities of personal character; the Office seeks applicants with integrity, judgment, and maturity. Prior leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service are also valued qualities. Assistant District Attorneys are selected solely on the basis of merit without regard to political affiliation.

Head of leading investigative firm and former ADA

Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with persons of different backgrounds is critical. In addition, the Office seeks to have a legal staff that refects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, we actively recruit minority applicants. The Office is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or veteran's status.

The successful applicant will complete four rounds of interviews:

We do not accept resumes by fax or via e-mail. To apply for an in-house interview, please send a cover letter, resume, and transcript to:

Ms. Robin R. Edwards
Administrator of the Legal Hiring Unit
New York County District Attorney's Office
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013

Only complete applications are reviewed. 

Our Legal Hiring staff is available to answer any question you might have about the application process. Please contact them at 212-335-9361.

Class of 2009 On-Campus Interview Schedule