Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Fairfax

Commonwealth of Virginia; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia’s Fairfax Public Defender's Office seeks an Assistant Public Defender I to advocate for indigent clients in criminal cases across General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney will interview clients and witnesses, prepare motions, and argue in court under supervision of the Public Defender.

Requirements include a J.D. and Virginia Bar admission, willingness to try cases, strong writing and oral advocacy, and ability to travel to

Qualifications

• J.D. required for consideration for this full-time role.
• Virginia Bar admission required to practice.
• Experience advocating for indigent populations is preferred.
• Ability to argue legal positions effectively and prepare cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews.
• File pretrial and post-trial motions; litigate motions.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• Communicate with clients, families, and approved parties regularly.

Skills

Advocacy

Trial advocacy

Legal research

Oral & written communication

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Fairfax

State Role Title: Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $85,774.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: FAIRFAX 308

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 Fairfax Public Defender's 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 Public Defender of the Fairfax office and is employed at-will. This position receives a local salary supplement.

The Assistant Public Defender I 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 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 intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered for the position.
• Experience as an advocate for indigent populations.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• The ability to argue legal positions effectively and persuasively, as well as master subject matter and prepare cases thoroughly.
• 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, criminal procedure, and evidence is required.

Additional Considerations

Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.

Eligibility & Benefits

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.

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.

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.