Closing Date: 16th November, 2026
Description:
Basic Function:This is an appellate position in the Office of Attorney General's Criminal Law Division. A primary job requirement is excellent written and oral advocacy skill.
The Appeals and Grand Jury Section represents the Commonwealth in direct appeals from criminal convictions, in proceedings under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act, and in federal habeas corpus litigation. The section also provides legal advice and support to other attorneys, both in the Office and throughout the Commonwealth, on matters relating to law enforcement. The section's work arises from prosecutions within the Office's jurisdiction, as well as referrals from local District Attorneys due to a lack of resources or a conflict of interest.
Attorneys must also be able to exercise sound prosecutorial judgment and to manage an independent caseload. Although attorneys will be headquartered at a specific location, some travel will be necessary for hearings in state post-conviction and federal habeas actions, as well as appellate arguments.
Examples of Duties:
- Represents the Commonwealth, defending judgments of sentence during direct and PCRA appeals
- Responds to petitions under the Post Conviction Relief Act and other post-conviction motions, and represents the Commonwealth in evidentiary hearings in such matters
- Represents the Commonwealth in federal habeas corpus litigation, drafting answers and responding to motions, and appearing in evidentiary hearings in federal court
- Represents the Commonwealth as the appellant in criminal matters
- Performs additional and related work as required.
Minimum Experience and Training
Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
