Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the office interview students from schools in addition to those listed on the on-campus schedule?
- How many positions are available?
- What is a lateral applicant?
- May I fax or email my application?
- How soon after my interviews can I expect to hear from the Legal Hiring Unit?
- May I find out who will be conducting my interview?
- How long are the interviews?
- What will I need to bring to my first interview?
- How long should my writing sample be?
- What do we look for in an applicant?
- What if I have other offers and deadlines?
- Do I have to be a US citizen?
- How long is the Summer Intern Program?
- Where are we located?
Does the office interview students from schools in addition to those listed on the on-campus schedule?
Yes. We encourage interested students from schools that we cannot visit to send a cover letter and resume requesting an in-house interview. Letters should be addressed to the Administrator of the Legal Hiring Unit. Students who are not selected for an on-campus interview are encouraged to request an in-house interview.
How many positions are available?
Each year there are approximately 50 legal staff positions available, with most staff hired directly out of law school. Some staff join the office after clerking, practicing law in the private sector, or working in other public sector offices. We review and respond to every application.
What is a lateral applicant?
A lateral applicant has graduated from law school and is currently practicing. Lateral applicants must have passed the New York State Bar exam and have at least one year of experience.
May I fax or email my application?
We do not accept cover letters and resumes sent by e-mail or fax.
How soon after my interviews can I expect to hear from the Legal Hiring Unit?
All decisions are made on a rolling basis. There is no exact time frame.
May I find out who will be conducting my interview?
All interviews are conducted by Hiring Board members who are experienced Assistant District Attorneys. First interviews are with one member of the board, panels are comprised of three members.
How long are the interviews?
First and panel interviews last about a half-hour.
What will I need to bring to my first interview?
An official law school transcript, a writing sample, and the names and telephone numbers of three professional or academic references. We do not require letters of reference.
How long should my writing sample be?
There is no specific length requirement. Please submit what you consider to be the best example of your writing skills.
What do we look for in an applicant?
Successful applicants fit no particular profile. The office considers academic performance to be only one indicator of an applicant's potential. Equally important are the qualities of personal character, integrity, judgment, and maturity. Prior leadership experience and demonstrated commitment to public service are valued qualities.
What if I have other offers and deadlines?
Please inform the Legal Hiring Unit staff of any offers or deadlines you may receive during the interview process. We commit to meet any deadline as long as we are informed. Applicants who accept a clerkship during the interview process must withdraw and reapply the following year.
Do I have to be a US citizen?
Assistant District Attorneys must be US citizens at the commencement of employment. US citizenship is not a requirement for summer interns.
How long is the Summer Intern Program?
The ten-week program typically starts on the first Monday in June and lasts through the end of the second week in August. Students who accept a summer internship must commit to the full ten weeks.
Where are we located?
The office is located at One Hogan Place at the intersection of Centre Street and Leonard Street. The dedicated DANY entrance is on the south side of the Manhattan Criminal Court Building at 100 Centre Street. The Legal Hiring Unit is on the 8th floor. Please see directions and a map of the area, click here.