Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Roanoke

DHRM; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) Roanoke Public Defender Office is hiring an Assistant Public Defender I to advocate zealously for indigent clients in criminal cases for adults and juveniles. The attorney reports to the Chief Public Defender in Roanoke and is employed at-will, with opportunities to grow into the Public Defender I title after licensure.

The role requires a J.D. and Virginia Bar admission, plus a demonstrated commitment to justice, strong writing and courtroom advocacy, and the

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and admission to the Virginia State Bar are required for consideration for this full-time position.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• Interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews and work with staff investigators.
• File pretrial motions and post-trial motions, and litigate motions.
• Represent clients in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• Maintain timely communication with clients, families, and approved parties.

Skills

Juris Doctor

Trial advocacy

Legal writing

Courtroom communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

Title

Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Roanoke

State Role Title

Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range

$77,976.00 + State Benefits

Agency

Indigent Defense Commission

Location

ROANOKE 303

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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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.
If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at [e-mail].
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 July 2026 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.
• 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.

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 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.

Advertised: 09 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 02 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time