Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I

City of Lynchburg; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lynchburg is seeking an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney to prosecute misdemeanor offenses and select felony cases in Virginia courts. The role includes legal research, argumentation, and collaboration with law enforcement and victim/witness advocates.

The position requires a J.D. from an accredited law school and active Virginia Bar membership, with a starting salary of $79,596 and potential for higher based on experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. required and eligibility to practice law in Virginia with active Virginia State Bar membership.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work under time pressure.
• Experience in prosecuting misdemeanor and selected felony cases is preferred.
• Background checks must be completed prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanor cases in General District Court and select felony cases in Circuit Court.
• Prepare and prosecute cases; conduct legal research and memos; argue hearings.
• Advise local law enforcement agencies and coordinate with victim/witness advocates.
• Develop increasing responsibility with more complex cases over time.
• Conduct bond hearings and present cases before trial courts.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal procedure knowledge

Courtroom testimony

Communication with law enforcement

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney will be assigned a combination of cases to include misdemeanor offenses in the General District Court and felony cases at the Circuit Court levels. Depending upon prior experience, assignments generally include the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in General District Court (DUI, traffic offenses, and simple drug possession), and the prosecution of less serious felony cases to include non-violent crimes (property crimes, petit and grand larceny, forgery and uttering, etc.). The ACA will prepare and prosecute misdemeanor cases, conduct legal research and argument for hearings, compose appellate briefs, advise local law enforcement agencies, and work closely with victim/witness advocates. As experience, knowledge, and skills are obtained and developed, the ACA will be exposed to increasing responsibility, including more difficult and complex cases.

Hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Starting salary is $79,596 - additional salary considered based on prior years of experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Review case files to determine the witnesses necessary for all court hearings, assuring that all required witnesses are subpoenaed to appear;
• Conduct bond hearings for incarcerated defendants, making recommendations to the court regarding appropriate bond amounts and conditions necessary to ensure victim and community safety;
• Conduct appropriate legal research for assigned cases and prepare memoranda of law when necessary;
• Communicate effectively and professionally with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, and lay witnesses, effectively address, with sensitivity, the needs of victims of crime;
• Work proficiently in a collaborative, team environment, engage people of various social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds, maintain a fast-paced workload/docket while keeping case files and workplace organized;
• Prepare and present cases before a trial court in a short period of time, and establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public;
• Perform any other responsibilities or special assignments as designated by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION

Graduation from a law school of recognized standing with a J.D. Eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia by ACTIVE membership in the Virginia State Bar.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF POSITION

Due to the high caseload, the ACA must be organized, work efficiently, be flexible, and be able to think on his or her feet in busy and time-pressured situations.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Basic knowledge of the law of evidence and criminal procedure, Virginia common law, Virginia statutes, and appellate law related to criminal prosecution; knowledge of the principles and techniques of preparing for and prosecuting cases; skill in conducting legal research; ability to prepare cases for prosecution with guidance; ability to present cases through the questioning of witnesses and introduction of relevant evidence; ability to argue motions, objections, and sentences; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, law enforcement officials, witnesses, and members of the general public. Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. (View Criteria)

Prior to employment, all required background checks must be completed satisfactorily.