Assistant Commonwealth Attorney

Chesterfield County; Virginia; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County is seeking qualified attorneys to join the Commonwealth's Attorney Office as Assistant Commonwealth Attorney I or II. The role involves prosecuting criminal cases across multiple Virginia courts and may include assignments to Juvenile, Domestic Relations, General District, or Circuit Court.

Applicants with legal licensure in Virginia and clear courtroom skills are encouraged to apply. Open until filled with the possibility of career progression under the County's approved

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Three years of criminal practice/trial experience or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute criminal cases in General District Court, Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, and Circuit Court for Chesterfield County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Possibly handle administrative and civil responsibilities for the Commonwealth's Attorney; may be assigned to Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, or Circuit Court.
• Newly licensed attorneys may apply; specify court preference in cover letter.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Courtroom communication

Bilingual English/Spanish (encouraged)

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

• Assistant Commonwealth Attorney I: Hiring Range $80,274 - $94,322
• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate from an accredited law school. Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws and court decisions as they relate to the Criminal Justice Process; discretion in decision-making process and ability to effectively communicate with staff and other agencies and departments. Those candidates with verbal and written fluency in both English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.
• Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II: Hiring Range $88,924 - $120,046
• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate from an accredited law school. Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws and court decisions as they relate to the Criminal Justice Process; discretion in decision-making process and ability to effectively communicate with staff and other agencies and departments. Those candidates with verbal and written fluency in both English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.
• Additional Qualifications: A minimum of three years of criminal practice/trial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required. This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check.

Duties

Responsibilities include the prosecution of criminal cases, including misdemeanor and felony charges, in the General District Court, Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, and Circuit Court, for the County of Chesterfield, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Responsibilities may also include participation in treatment court dockets and keeping updated on available sentencing alternatives. The successful applicant may also be asked to handle administrative and civil legal responsibilities required of the commonwealth attorney. Applicants may be hired as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I or II based on their years of experience and qualifications. Positions may be assigned specifically to Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, or Circuit Court. Please specify in your cover letter if you have a specific interest in prosecuting in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. Newly licensed attorneys are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE NOTE

Position open until filled (first review to begin September 28, 2026).

This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on qualifications, performance, and experience.

Shift

Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Work Location

Commonwealth Attorney

Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion