Assistant District Attorney- Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (Saki) Unit

ABOUT THE ORLEANS PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (OPDA)

Jason Rogers Williams took office as the Orleans Parish District Attorney on January 11, 2021, and is building a 21st-century prosecutors' office with a team of the best and brightest lawyers from around the country and a mission of being as smart on crime as the office has historically been tough on crime. OPDA aims to increase public safety through the ethical, consistent, and zealous enforcement of the law.

JOB SUMMARY

Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) represent the State of Louisiana in criminal matters before courts with jurisdiction in Orleans Parish. This position resides in OPDA's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, a vertical unit that takes cases from start to finish.

The SAKI Unit is responsible for implementing a nationwide effort to submit and test previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits. Through this effort, OPDA and the New Orleans Police Department are re-investigating and prosecuting cold case sexual assaults. In addition to securing convictions, the goal of the SAKI Unit is to empower survivors, promote healing, and provide closure. This position is supported by grant funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

REPORTS TO

Chief of SAKI Unit

CLASSIFICATION

Full-Time, Exempt

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of a SAKI ADA include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

• Reviews SAKI cases for prosecution
• Presents appropriate cases to a grand jury for indictment
• Prepares accepted SAKI cases for prosecution
• Interviews victims, witnesses, investigating detectives, and forensics experts
• Prepares and responds to all pretrial motions and discovery requests
• Handles all court hearings and trial preparations
• Notifies survivors, witnesses, and investigating detectives of the status of SAKI cases and the dates of court events
• Conducts jury selection and trials
• Attend all SAKI trainings
• In coordination with the SAKI Site Coordinator, develops and provides in-house SAKI training for all attorneys
• Attends, when appropriate, adult MDT meetings and monthly SART meetings
• Documents appropriately the case disposition
• Prepares all plea paperwork, judgements, dismissals, and other related legal documents necessary for proper disposition of criminal cases
• Provides specialized expertise in prosecution of sexual assault cases when DNA/sexual assault kit was collected
• Adhere to all grant conditions as required by the Bureau of Justice Assistance

This list is intended to outline key duties and responsibilities, but is not exhaustive. The SAKI ADA may be required to perform other related duties as assigned or necessary for effective public service.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Member of the Louisiana Bar in good standing
• Ability to conduct legal research and apply legal analysis to factual scenarios
• Public speaking ability and effective communication skills
• Comfort with technology, including the ability to learn case management software
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weeks of over 40 hours
• Dependability in both attendance and work product
• Commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families
• Proficiency in Louisiana criminal law and procedure
• Extensive trial/courtroom experience, including experience handling complex criminal prosecutions
• Knowledge of medical terms, DNA and other forensic disciplines

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience.

New ADA hires may be eligible for:

• Enrollment in the City of New Orleans health insurance plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 6.44 hours of sick leave and no fewer than 6.44 hours of vacation leave per month

(6.44 hours per month = approximately 10 days per year)

• Paid parental leave
• Generous paid holiday schedule
• Enrollment in the Louisiana District Attorneys' Retirement System
• Enrollment in the Louisiana Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Frequent, free opportunities for Continuing Legal Education and other relevant training

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

OPDA is an equal-opportunity employer. The office values a diverse workforce and management reflective of the communities that it serves. Accordingly, OPDA adheres to a policy of making employment, promotion, and other personnel decisions without regard to race, culture, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, caregiver status, age, disability, or other legally protected status.