About the role
Quick Links ###### Frequently Asked Questions ###### Profiles in Justice: Get to know us. ###### A quick guide to the Philadelphia Criminal Justice System ###### A Message from DA Larry Krasner in the DA Justice Journal MORE RESOURCES icon-quote “In order to effect real and lasting reforms of our criminal justice system, we must make sure they are inclusive and representative of the communities they serve.” LARRY KRASNER District Attorney City of Philadelphia CAREERS: LEGAL HIRING Building a team that reflects the diversity and empathy we want to see in the criminal justice system We’re going the extra mile to forge a team of the best and the brightest that looks like Philadelphia, shares our values, and has a demonstrated commitment to justice and fairness. Over the last few years, we have redoubled our efforts by: Broadening our geographic reach. We recruit at all top-ranked law schools around the country, as well as our large, local law schools, in search of candidates with well-rounded experiences and perspectives.
Engaging with HBCUs and other schools known for their diverse, high-achieving student bodies. We have spoken to hundreds of students at HBCUs and have strong participation in affinity spaces such as the National Black Prosecutors Association, all to help us build a more inclusive office. Bringing talent home.
We actively seek candidates who were raised in Philadelphia but graduated from colleges and law schools elsewhere and are now ready to return home to help change their communities for the better. icon-data All our strategic efforts to build the team whose impact could be felt for generations are making a difference. Of the new class of prosecutors: ###### Two-fifths of all new hires are people of color. Before 2018, less than a third were. ###### Many are from top law schools, including HBCUs. ###### Two percent identify as non-binary. icon-quote “The District Attorney, Judge Temin and I know that the assistant district attorneys we handpick represent the most important legacy of this administration.” “It’s what they’re going to do after we are long gone that’s going to be truly transformative.” ROBERT LISTENBEE Former First Assistant District Attorney CAREERS: LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT Senior leadership is deeply committed to finding the right candidates to work in challenging roles in our office.
District Attorney Larry Krasner and First Assistant District Attorneys Robert Listenbee and Judge Carolyn Temin commit significant time traveling and recruiting and interviewing prosecutor candidates. The First Assistants are also heavily involved in recruiting and interviewing support staff candidates as well. This deep commitment is required if we are to bring about culture change, generate new policies, and realize the changes our communities need to be more safe and just. icon-quote “The young attorneys who join us represent the cream of the crop and our Office’s highest standards.” “They come here to work with District Attorney Larry Krasner, to be a part of his monumental mission, putting our collective ideas into action.” DEBORAH WATSON-STOKES Senior Advisor on Professional Development/Special Projects Meet a few of our talented staff from across the office. icon-quote “Being in the military and the police department really gave me a sense of what people are going through.” “Having that background helps me recognize that every situation is different and needs to be treated individually.” PERNELL JACKSON Assistant District Attorney icon-quote “I’m inspired by countless workers who take on the burden of fighting injustice while also working to make ends meet.” “When I see people who won’t settle for their own individual economic security and wellbeing, but continue to fight against institutionalize