Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Chesapeake

Virginia AG; Chesapeake, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) 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 IDC’s Chesapeake Public Defender Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and admission to the Virginia State Bar are required for consideration.
• Experience in public defense or criminal law is valuable.
• Ability to handle cases independently and in collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews, file pretrial motions, and litigate motions.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• Communicate regularly with clients and families; work with staff investigators.

Skills

J.D. degree

Virginia Bar admission

Trial advocacy

Legal writing

Communication skills

Time management

Travel readiness

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

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.

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

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Virginia State Bar are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. However, candidates who are registered to take the February 2027 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. If you are awaiting results from the July 2026 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, we encourage you to apply!
• 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.

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.