Assistant Attorney

Stafford County, VA; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 97,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County is seeking prosecutors to handle a broad range of criminal cases for the County and the Commonwealth. The role accommodates candidates from new graduates to experienced practitioners and operates under the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Two levels are offered with salary ranges reflecting experience: Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I and II, with growth opportunities across levels; supervision responsibilities noted for the II level. Eligibility to practice in Virginia is required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school of recognized standing and admission to practice in Virginia.
• Experience as a practicing attorney, with criminal law preferred.
• Supervisory experience for Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II.

Responsibilities

• Serving as a prosecutor, preparing cases for prosecution; trying cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Court.
• Prepares and presents cases in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court.
• Tries criminal offenses brought under County and State Statutes.
• Interviews police officers, victims, witnesses, experts and other individuals in preparing cases.
• Prepares legal research and writing for issues anticipated in criminal trials.
• Provides assistance to citizens and law enforcement officers.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Skills

Criminal law expertise

Oral and written communication

Leadership/ supervision

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent law degree

Job description

Performs difficult professional legal work as a prosecutor for the County and for the State; does related work as required. This position will comprise a wide range of experience. We will consider candidates from newly graduated law students to experienced practitioners. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commonwealth's Attorney.

There are two levels for this position, the following is the hiring rages based on experience:

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I: $96,720.20 to $132,995.20 annually.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II: $103,500.80 to $142,313.60 annually.

The full salary range for both levels to provide opportunity for growth and development:

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I: $96,720.00 to $169,270.40 annually.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II: $103,500.80 to $181,126.40 annually.

• Serving as a prosecutor, preparing cases for prosecution; trying cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Court.
• Prepares and presents cases in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court.
• Tries criminal offenses brought under County and State Statutes.
• Interviews police officers, victims, witnesses, experts and other individuals in preparing cases.
• Prepares legal research and writing for issues anticipated in criminal trials.
• Provides assistance to citizens and law enforcement officers.
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of law and of the State laws and court decisions applicable to criminal prosecution.
• Thorough knowledge of legal research and the investigation, preparation, and presentation of cases for trial.
• Thorough knowledge of legal office procedures, practices, and methods.
• Ability to plan and direct the work of others.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and State officials, court officials, members of the Bar, and the general public.
• Ability to handle difficult trial and appellate litigation.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I:

The ideal candidate will have any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a law school of recognized standing and experience as a practicing attorney, some of which shall have been in the practice of criminal law.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II:

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years, and preferably 15 years or more, of experience as a Virginia prosecutor. This experience should include prosecution in General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and Circuit Court. That experience must include prosecuting a wide range of violent crimes, particularly in front of juries. As it is anticipated that this position will include some supervisory responsibility, prior experience supervising newer prosecutors is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and possession of any other qualifications prescribed by State Statute.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work required reaching, standing, walking, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.