Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III

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

Job summary

City of Hampton seeks an experienced Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III to lead complex criminal prosecutions and mentor junior attorneys. The role emphasizes collaboration with law enforcement and community partners to enhance public safety and accountability in court.

The Attorney will manage high-stakes cases, develop legal strategy, and ensure timely, well-reasoned dispositions while upholding professional responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Virginia in good standing and admitted to the Virginia State Bar.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute complex and high-level criminal cases in all courts.
• Mentor junior attorneys and collaborate with law enforcement and community partners.
• Prepare, research, and prosecute difficult cases including motions and trials.
• Maintain timely case documentation and provide thorough rationale for dispositions.
• Coordinate with federal and state courts as needed; engage in investigations with agencies.

Skills

Criminal law

Trial advocacy

Mentoring

Leadership

Legal research

Communication

Interagency collaboration

Education

J.D. or LL.B.

Job description

Are you an experienced legal professional passionate about public service and committed to upholding the law with fairness and accountability? The City of Hampton is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III to serve as a senior member of our dynamic legal team. In this pivotal role, you will prosecute complex and high-level criminal cases, mentor junior attorneys, and collaborate with law enforcement and community partners to enhance public safety and trust.

If you thrive in a high-stakes courtroom environment, bring seasoned judgment to your legal strategy, and are ready to make a greater impact through leadership and service, we encourage you to apply and be part of a mission-focused team where your experience and dedication truly make a difference.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.

• Requires four years as a criminal prosecutor or three years as a criminal prosecutor and two additional years in the general practice of law 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.
• Completion of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor course or its equivalent 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

• 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.

The tasks listed below are representative of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the class as necessary.

• 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.
• Assists in training less experienced attorneys; assists other attorneys as needed in the preparation of cases; recognizes and responds to the concerns of support staff.
• When assigned, works closely as a liaison to both Federal and State courts regarding matters of importance to the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.