Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Chesapeake

Vadefenders; Chesapeake (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) seeks an Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I for the Chesapeake area. The role handles criminal cases for adults and juveniles, reporting to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesapeake office. Employment is at-will and compensation aligns with the IDC salary band.

Qualified candidates hold a J.D. and Virginia Bar admission, with a strong commitment to indigent defense and social justice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position.
• Active interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• Ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback.
• Ability to track and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and remain organized.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to all courts and regional jails.
• Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews; collaborate with staff investigators.
• File pretrial motions and post-trial motions; litigate motions.
• Notices and argues appealable issues.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile & Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• See clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate with clients, families, and approved parties.
• Duties include ensuring zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.

Skills

Trial advocacy

Courtroom presentation

Communication (oral)

Communication (written)

Organization

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Chesapeake

State Role Title:Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $77,976.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:CHESAPEAKE 324

Agency Website:www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I which will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.

The Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce this opportunity to be on the front lines of what many consider to be the modern-day Civil Rights Movement-criminal justice and justice reform. This is a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and impact the lives of clients in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment.

The IDC’s Chesapeake Public Defender Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesapeake office and is employed at-will.

The Assistant Public Defender must have compassion for our indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to spot and anticipate legal issues, the ability to write, edit, and review motions and briefs, and the ability to make sound legal arguments in a courtroom setting. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at [e-mail].

Duties: Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions, litigating motions, and noticing appropriate appealable issues. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. However, if you're awaiting results from the July 2026 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, or if you intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered for the position.
• An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback is important.
• The ability to track and meet deadlines.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and remain organized.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.
• Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.

Additional Considerations

Prior experience in public defense will be strongly considered.

Individuals hired before obtaining their Virginia Bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and receive a starting salary of $65,158.00. Upon passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed you will receive the title and salary of an Assistant Public Defender I.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint‑based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E‑Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800‑552‑5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.