Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Halifax

Indigent Defense Commission; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 78,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission seeks an Assistant Public Defender I/II in Halifax, VA. The role defends indigent clients, handling criminal matters across court levels, with at-will employment and a mission-driven environment.

Requires J.D. degree and VA Bar admission; two years criminal defense experience preferred for the II level; strong legal writing, advocacy, and courtroom skills are essential. Willingness to travel and meet deadlines is expected.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration for this full-time position.
• Two years of criminal defense experience are required for the Assistant Public Defender II level.
• Willingness to try cases and improve as a trial attorney.
• Ability to learn quickly and internalize feedback; meet deadlines and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews; work with staff investigators.
• File pretrial and post-trial motions; litigate motions; notice appealable issues.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• Communicate regularly with clients, families and approved parties; travel as needed.

Skills

Trial advocacy

Communication skills

Time management

Multitasking

Legal research

Travel willingness

Education

J.D. degree

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Halifax

State Role Title:Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $77,976.00 / $87,512.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:HALIFAX 317

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 Halifax Public Defender Office has openings for attorneys who are 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/II reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Halifax 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!
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• 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.

To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must have at least two (2) years of experience in criminal defense (including serious felony and jury trial experience) along with the above-mentioned qualifications.

Additional Considerations

Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.

Individuals who are hired before obtaining their Virginia Bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and will 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.

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.

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.