Consumer Protection Attorney

The Consumer Protection Attorney is a newly established Assistant District Attorney position created as part of the District Attorney's Office's broad efforts to use civil litigation as a strategy to address systemic issues that have been plaguing the citizens of the County. This attorney will undertake and manage affirmative litigations on behalf of the District Attorney's Office in order to protect the citizens of the County. Specifically, the attorney will be responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws, advocating for consumer rights, investigating unfair business practices, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This role involves legal research, litigation, policy development, and public education related to consumer rights and fraud prevention.

• Investigate and litigate violations of consumer protection laws (e.g., deceptive marketing and trade practices, fraud, predatory lending).
• Represent the District Attorney's Office and, on occasion work with outside counsel, in civil and criminal cases involving consumer fraud, deceptive practices, and unfair business practices.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft pleadings, discovery requests, legal briefs, and settlement agreements.
• Prepare for and participate in arguments, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings.
• Develop case strategies.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Negotiate settlements and alternative resolutions to reach just settlements.
• Collaborate effectively with outside enforcement agencies (FTC, Attorney General) as well as other public and private partners in litigation.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of all case developments.
• Advocate for policy changes as needed.
• Promote consumer education, awareness and understanding of consumer rights and protection laws.
• Review proposed legislation and regulations affecting consumers, and advocate for policies that protect consumer interests.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• J.D. from accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar.
• Proven trial experience
• Minimum five years' experience in consumer protection law, litigation, regulatory enforcement, or a related area.
• Background in government, public interest or prosecution is highly valued.
• Experience with class actions or multi-party litigation a plus.
• Strong knowledge of relevant statutes such as Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Laws (UTPCPL).
• Exceptional research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases and priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal law/justice system.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania legal and ethical standards applicable to attorneys.
• Familiarity with District Attorney Office structure, mission and policies.
• Familiarity with generally accepted professional prosecutorial standards.
• Strong legal writing and analytical skills.
• Strong decision-making ability.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Legal research skills.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.