Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Loudoun

Commonwealth of Virginia; United States; On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission seeks an Attorney Assistant Public Defender I in Loudoun to advocate zealously for indigent clients. You will manage criminal cases for adults and juveniles across court levels and work with the Loudoun Public Defender's Office.

The role requires a JD, VA Bar admission, strong legal writing and courtroom skills, and ability to work independently and with a team. PSLF eligibility is noted and local salary supplements apply.

Qualifications

• JD required and VA bar admission required.
• Active interest in indigent defense and criminal justice reform.
• Ability to write, edit, and review motions and briefs; strong oral advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal cases at various stages of litigation.
• Conduct client and witness interviews; work with investigators.
• File pretrial and post-trial motions; litigate motions; notice appealable issues.

Skills

Legal advocacy

Courtroom advocacy

Legal writing

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Virginia State Bar admission

Virginia Bar Exam eligibility

Job description

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Loudoun

State Role Title:Legal Services Officer II

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

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:Loudoun 411

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission is seeking to fill an Assistant Public Defender I position that 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 Loudoun 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 reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Loudoun office and is employed at-will. This position includes a local salary supplement.

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 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 is 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 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 (internship, work experience, etc.) in criminal defense will be considered. Candidates who are fluent in both Spanish and English will be strongly considered.

Individuals hired before obtaining their Virginia Bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and receive a starting salary of $71,674.00. Upon passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed you will receive the title and salary of an Assistant Public Defender I.

Special Instructions

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.