This paper explores the current staffing shortages faced by prosecutor offices, effective strategies for recruiting new lawyers and support staff, and the evolving job roles that will shape the future of prosecutor offices.
Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (Miami-Dade County, FL)
Population: 2,700,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors:350 | Contact Information
With increasing tourism, increasing population, and increasing commerce came increasing employment opportunities for attorneys in Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office needed to find ways to compete with other law firms and organizations in recruiting attorneys to serve as prosecutors in the jurisdiction.
Author: PCE’s National Best Practices Committee (NBP)
The traditional role of the prosecutor is as a minister of justice who enforces the law and seeks justice. Modern prosecutors are viewing their roles more expansively to include crime prevention, problem solving and innovation. This publication explores the new roles of a modern prosecutor.
Authors: Kristine Hamann, PCE and AE.
Read about effective methods for recruiting Gen Z prosecutors based on those in the field.
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office (San Diego, CA)
Population: 3,298,634 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 330 | Contact Information
The San Diego County District Attorney (SDCDA) has developed a web based application that can be used from any computer or mobile device to access cultural information about various communities in San Diego County. The Cultural Awareness Project originated with input from SDCDA’s Faith Leader’s Advisory Board and multiple focus groups with representative members of each community, the application provides valuable information about common beliefs, traditions, and historical perspective on law enforcement interactions.
Clark County District Attorney’s Office (Las Vegas, NV)
Population: 2,292,000 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 177 | Contact Information
The Clark County District Attorney’s Office (CCDA) has enhanced recruiting using a variety of tools to expose local students to prosecution work and engage interns in meaningful mentorships with experienced attorneys. To do this, CCDA has a designated attorney that recruits new lawyers to the office. CCDA has a special recruiting email address, which is monitored by the recruiting attorney who personally responds to messages. The recruiting attorney and other experienced prosecutors visit local schools, coach and judge mock trial teams, and work as adjuncts in local law schools in order to connect students to the work, who may not otherwise have exposure to prosecution work.
Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office (Syracuse, NY)
Population: 473,200 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 48 | Contact Information
The Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) Chief Administrative Officer serves as a Special Advisor to the Office of Career Services at Syracuse University College of Law which allows for a unique partnership that drives interest in prosecution work.
Summit County Prosecutor’s Office (Akron, OH)
Population: 537,600 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 60 | Contact Information
The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office (SCPO) has improved office culture using a variety of anonymous and attributed surveys that contribute to better interpersonal relationships, morale, and productivity. Through anonymous and attributed surveys, recognition programs, and meaningful team building activities, the office culture at SCPO promotes wellness, recruitment, and retention.
San Diego District Attorney’s Office (San Diego, CA)
Population: 3,298,634 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 330 | Contact Information
The San Diego County District Attorney (SDCDA) has developed a week-long program for first year law students who may not have a pre-existing interest in prosecution work, by giving them access to experienced lawyers through a week full of interesting presentations and experiences.
Yavapai County Attorney’s Office (Prescott, AZ)
Population: 242,253 | Number of Full-Time Prosecutors: 41 | Contact Information
The Yavapai County Attorney’s Office (YCAO) has developed robust work from home policies for all of their attorneys and staff. This has enabled them to supervise remote work and maintain accountability, while affording employees more flexible work environment options. The program was devised in response to the Covid -19 pandemic but has become a popular benefit and effective recruitment tool.