Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

County-of-Frederick,-Va; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Frederick, Virginia seeks an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney to perform complex prosecutorial duties across state and federal courts. The role involves researching constitutional issues, trial strategy, and advising law enforcement with a wide range of legal matters.

You will prosecute complex cases, interview witnesses, draft briefs, prepare discovery, and present at trial. A JD/LLB and active Virginia Bar membership with CLE are required to qualify for this position.

Qualifications

• Four year undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLB).
• Four years’ experience as a criminal prosecutor, or three years as prosecutor and two years in general practice law, or equivalent combination.
• Active Virginia State Bar membership with CLE compliance required.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute complex criminal cases with minimal supervision, including research, witness interviews, negotiations, and trial presentation.
• Prepare jury instructions and present cases at trial.
• Compile legal briefs and memoranda of law; prepare discovery and Bills of Particulars.
• Advise law enforcement officers and County/state officials on legal matters.
• Document actions and provide justification for recommendations.

Skills

Prosecutorial experience

Legal research

Interviews & negotiations

Education

JD or LLB (or equivalent)

Undergraduate degree

Job description

We are looking for an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney to perform complex prosecutorial legal services for the Commonwealth. This position prepares and researches criminal cases involving complex issues of constitutional law, evidence, and trial strategy in courts throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, including state and federal courts. The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney also advises County and state law enforcement officials on a wide variety of matters with legal implications.

As an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, you will:

• With minimal supervision, effectively prosecute complex criminal cases, including conducting necessary research, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with opposing counsel, preparing jury instructions, and presenting cases at trial.
• Use tact and discretion in order to establish effective relationships with other judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officials, adequately documenting in writing all actions and providing sufficient justification to support recommendations.
• Compile legal briefs and memoranda of law.
• Prepare cases for trial, including interviewing witnesses.
• Draft case evaluations.
• Prepare discovery and Bills of Particulars.
• Provide advice to law enforcement officers and County and state officials.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Four year undergraduate degree, as well as juris doctorate or masters of law (LLB).
  
• Four (4) years’ of experience as a criminal prosecutor or three (3) years’ of experience as a criminal prosecutor and two (2) additional years’ of experience in general practice law, or equivalent combination of education and experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, including being current with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements.

Physical Demands:

Requires moderate physical effort, including walking, sitting for extended periods, stooping, kneeling, bending, reaching, and gripping. May occasionally handle lightweight materials up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Conditions:

Office work has no exposure to environmental conditions and is performed in a heated, air-conditioned office. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic).

Frederick County, Virginia employee benefits,please visit the following webpage: https://www.fcva.us/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. Frederick County Virginia Government is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The County’s EEO Utilization Report is available at www.fcva.us/jobs