Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hampton is seeking an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I to join its prosecution team. This entry-level role offers courtroom exposure, litigation skill development, and a meaningful impact in the community you serve.

Requirements include a JD/LLB from an accredited law school and active Virginia State Bar membership or eligibility. The position involves handling juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony prosecutions across multiple courts with a strong emphasis on public safety and fairness.

Qualifications

• Must have a law degree from an accredited school (JD/LLB) and be in good standing with the Virginia State Bar (or eligible).
• Active Virginia State Bar member in good standing required; must be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute criminal cases in General District Court, Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, and Circuit Court.
• Conduct legal research, draft and review pleadings, and present cases in court.
• Advocate for victims and ensure timely disposition of cases; maintain case files and deadlines.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Oral & written communication

Case management

Judgment & discretion

Education

Law degree (JD/LLB)

Virginia Bar admission or eligibility

Job description

\"Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.\"

Are you a recent law school graduate or early-career attorney passionate about public service and the fair administration of justice? The City of Hampton is seeking a motivated and dedicated Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I to join our prosecution team. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable courtroom experience, develop litigation skills, and make a meaningful impact in the community you serve.

As an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I, you will represent the Commonwealth in a variety of different settings which can include: General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Circuit Court. This role is responsible for juvenile and felony case prosecutions in all of the courts and the corresponding legal research, drafting and review of legal pleadings related to assigned cases.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career and advocate for fairness, accountability, and public safety, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree (Candidates who are about to graduate will also be considered.)
• Must be an active member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice. Must be Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

OR

• Must be eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. Candidates selecting this option must clearly indicate the basis for their eligibility and provide an anticipated timeline for obtaining admission.
• Experience in criminal prosecution is preferred.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Must have the ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with a broad range of individuals; ability to resolve problems promptly and diplomatically.
• In addition, requires the ability to present cases in court and the ability to speak extemporaneously and persuasively.
• Performs duties under the supervision of designated senior management.
• Requires extensive contact with the general public, court officials, representatives of law enforcement and judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, as well as other public and private organizations.
• Requires continuing legal education.
• Requires extensive research and analysis requiring hours beyond the normal 40 hour work week.
• Requires some evening meetings.
• This is an exempt position.

• Utilizes knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law to thoroughly and accurately prepare cases for trial.
• Prepares, researches, and prosecutes criminal cases involving misdemeanors and selected felonies for trial in all courts.
• Contacts victims, witnesses, police officers and other investigators to review cases and incidents in which they were involved.
• Exercises creativity and skillful negotiating tactics in resolving cases.
• Keeps supervisor apprised of status of assigned cases.
• Argues pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Prepares responses to discovery.
• Advocates for victims.
• Documents in writing all actions and provides sufficient justification to support disposition recommendations.
• Advises City and State law enforcement officials regarding investigation of law violations; consults with City and State officials on a wide variety of problems having legal implications; may compile and maintain statistics for the lower courts.
• Utilizes appropriate resources, meets deadlines, prepares and reviews files in an adequate and timely manner.
• Recognizes issues relating to specific cases, recognizes strengths and weaknesses of cases, and expresses complex legal and non-legal issues effectively both orally and in writing.
• Adheres to the Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys.
• Responds to inquiries in a timely manner exercising good customer service skills.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs related duties as assigned.