Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hampton seeks an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II to represent the Commonwealth in General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and Circuit Court. You will work under administrative supervision to develop and implement programs within policies and report major activities to executive administrators.

Ideal candidates have a law degree, Virginia bar status, and at least two years of relevant legal experience, with a background in criminal prosecution preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
• Requires two years professional legal experience; experience in criminal prosecution is preferred or closely related experience.
• Must be an active member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice; must be licensed to practice law in Virginia.
• Must be eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar with an anticipated timeline.
• Must pass a background check prior to offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes criminal law to prepare cases for trial in all courts.
• Prosecutes difficult and complex criminal cases including misdemeanors and selected felonies.
• Contacts victims, witnesses, police officers and investigators to review cases.
• Argues pre-trial and post-trial motions; prepares responses to discovery.
• Advocates for victims and advises law enforcement on investigations.
• Maintains case files, meets deadlines and documents actions with justification.

Skills

Effective communication

Criminal prosecution experience

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about public service and committed to upholding the law with fairness and integrity? The City of Hampton is seeking a skilled and dedicated Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II to join our dynamic legal team. In this role, you’ll represent the Commonwealth in General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and Circuit Court. The class works under administrative supervision developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reporting major activities to executive-level administrators through conferences and reports.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, value collaboration, and are ready to take your legal career to the next level, we encourage you to apply and be part of a mission-driven team where your work truly matters.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
• Requires two years professional legal experience; experience in criminal prosecution is preferred or closely related experience.
• 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.
• 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

• Requires effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Requires continuing legal education in subjects affecting the work assigned to the incumbent.
• May require working non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• May require some local travel.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

• Utilizes knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law to thoroughly and accurately prepare cases for trial.
• Prepares, researches, and prosecutes difficult and complex 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.
• May assist in training new attorneys; assists other attorneys as needed in the preparation cases; recognizes and responds to the concerns of support staff.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.