Assistant Attorney General II, Sexually Violent Predators - Civil Commitment

Virginia Office of the Attorney General; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Office of the Attorney General seeks an Assistant Attorney General II to lead courtroom advocacy in civil commitment matters related to sexually violent predators, working with forensic psychologists on risk assessment and treatment progress.

The attorney will prepare pleadings, conduct discovery, analyze evidence, perform legal research, examine witnesses, negotiate, and litigate hearings or appeals in Virginia circuit courts; some travel across Virginia is required.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the Virginia State Bar.
• At least three years of litigation experience.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system and expert witnesses is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Advocate in civil proceedings involving sexually violent predators under Virginia law.
• Prepare pleadings, conduct discovery, and analyze psychological evidence.
• Perform legal research, prepare and examine witnesses, and negotiate with opposing counsel.
• Litigate hearings and bench or jury trials in Virginia circuit courts; may brief higher courts.
• Travel throughout Virginia with flexible court schedules.

Skills

Litigation experience

Oral advocacy

Written advocacy

Independent case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Assistant Attorney General II, Sexually Violent Predators - Civil Commitment

Assistant Attorney General & Dept of Law employs an Assistant Attorney General II focusing on sexual violent predator civil commitment. This role involves courtroom advocacy, forensic psychology, risk assessment, treatment progress, and public safety.

State Role Title: Assistant Attorney General

Hiring Range: $85,050-$107,100

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Attorney General & Dept of Law

Location: Office of the Attorney General

Agency Website: https://www.oag.state.va.us/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The successful candidate will enjoy courtroom advocacy but may be interested in a new challenge. Attorneys in this section represent the Commonwealth in civil proceedings involving individuals who have been convicted of sexually violent offenses and are being considered for, or are currently subject to, civil commitment under Virginia law. This is a unique area of law which focuses on forensic psychology, risk assessment, treatment progress, and public safety. Attorneys work regularly with forensic psychologists and other professionals to present and challenge expert testimony on these issues.

Attorneys in the Section manage their own cases and are responsible for preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, analyzing psychological evaluations and other evidence, performing legal research, preparing and examining witnesses, negotiating with opposing counsel, and litigating hearings and bench and jury trials in Virginia circuit courts. Attorneys may also have opportunities to brief and argue cases before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. The position involves some travel throughout Virginia, with significant flexibility in managing court schedules and travel obligations.

Prior experience with sexually violent predator proceedings, forensic psychology, or risk assessment is not required. Attorneys joining the Section receive training in these areas and become part of a small, close-knit team of experienced attorneys who work closely with forensic mental health experts and partner agencies.

This position may be based in either the Richmond or Fairfax office of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school, be admitted to the Virginia State Bar, and have at least three years of litigation experience. Candidates should possess strong written and oral advocacy skills and be able to independently manage a litigation caseload.

Familiarity with the criminal justice system and experience with expert witnesses or technical evidence is helpful but not required. Successful candidates should have sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Contact Information

Name: OAG Recruitment Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Note

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.