Assistant District Attorney, Overview: The Kings County District Attorney's Office relies on attracting law school graduates with the potential to develop into outstanding prosecutors in order to maintain one of the finest prosecutor's offices in the United States. The office seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and strong character traits who are committed to public service. Each year over a thousand applicants apply for a limited number of positions. Those selected are provided with extensive on-the-job-training and are quickly given the opportunity to develop trial and appellate litigation skills. The office maintains a Training and Education Bureau providing Assistant District Attorneys with ongoing continuing educational opportunities and supplements this training with that provided at the National District Attorneys Association's National Advocacy Center and the New York State District Attorneys Association's Prosecutor's Training Institute. The office is also at the forefront in providing prosecutors with the technological tools needed to most vigorously represent the people of New York State in criminal prosecutions. Starting annual salary for new Assistants District Attorneys is competitive and includes a comprehensive benefits plan. Requirements: Graduation from an accredited law school; United States citizenship; Record of academic excellence; High moral character and sincere interest in public service. Benefits: Health Insurance, including optical and dental benefits. Vacation, Personal and Sick Time, Maternity and Disability Leave, Deferred Compensation, New York State Retirement, Life Insurance, Legal and other benefits. Career Track: New Assistant District Attorneys ordinarily begin their tenure in the District Court Bureau where they prosecute misdemeanor crimes and gain investigative and trial experience. Most then move on the East End Bureau to gain additional experience and then to Case Advisory Bureau where felony crimes are first processed. Later, A.D.A.s move into the various bureaus of three divisions including Trial, Investigations and Appeals where they develop specialized skills and develop experience in various areas of the criminal law, including: Homicide; Rackets/Organized Crime; Environmental Crime; Public Integrity; White Collar Crime; Narcotics; Gangs; Major Crime; Family Crime; Elder Abuse; Computer/Internet crimes. Do You Have What It Takes? Many successful applicants have served in internships in the criminal justice system in prosecutors' offices, defense firms, public defender offices and in judicial clerkships. The District Attorney encourages law students to actively participate in intern/externship and legal clinical programs. Many have been active in Law Review, Moot Court and Trial Advocacy programs. The District Attorney also encourages involvement in community volunteerism and other good citizenship activities. The Office evaluates candidates based on life experience in addition to academic achievement and legal and professional employment experience. Applicants must be well prepared for each of three levels of interviews: On-campus/Initial Interviews (Based on performance, the initial interview may be waived for participants in the District Attorney's Internship Program.) Mini-Panel Interviews with experienced Assistant District Attorneys Final Panel Interview with the District Attorney and senior staff members. Since the District Attorney's Office is a law enforcement agency, applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation. The office maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drug use and driving while intoxicated. All Assistant District Attorneys are bound by the Canons of Ethics and the Ethical Guidelines for the New York State District Attorneys Association.