Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Southwest Virginia Offices

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia; On-site; USD 78,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks Assistant Public Defender I/II in the Southwest Virginia region. Attorneys will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles across multiple offices, with emphasis on zealous advocacy and courtroom work.

Qualified candidates hold a Juris Doctor and VA Bar admission, show dedication to social justice, and can work independently within a regional team. Salary is regional with state benefits; travel may be required.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and Virginia Bar admission are required.
• Active interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Willingness to try cases and improve as a trial attorney.
• Ability to learn quickly, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal cases at various stages of litigation.
• Work independently and as part of a regional team across multiple offices.
• Prepare and argue motions, briefs, and courtroom advocacy.
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with state bar requirements.

Skills

Juris Doctor

Virginia Bar Admission

Criminal Defense

Case Management

Communication Skills

Travel Readiness

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Southwest Virginia Offices

State Role Title:Legal Services Officer II

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

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:Multiple Locations

Agency Website:www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.
This is a regional job posting. Multiple locations will be hiring for Assistant Public Defenders I/II. The following Public Defender offices have open positions: Halifax and Martinsville.
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 Southwest Virginia region of Public Defender Offices 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 IDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their 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.
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 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. Candidates who recently passed the July bar exam are encouraged 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.

To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must be licensed and have some experience in criminal defense 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.

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.