Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Winchester/Front Royal

DHRM; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) in Winchester/Front Royal seeks an Assistant Public Defender I to provide zealous advocacy for indigent clients in criminal matters across multiple courts. The position reports to the Chief Public Defender and includes a local salary supplement.

The attorney must handle cases for adults and juveniles, work independently and collaboratively, and deliver high-quality legal work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and Virginia State Bar admission 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 and internalize feedback.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Effective written and oral communication.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to all courts and regional jails.
• Knowledge of criminal law and evidence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews and work with staff investigators.
• File pretrial and post-trial motions and litigate motions.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile & Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• See clients in jail promptly and communicate with clients and families.

Skills

Oral communication

Legal research

Time management

Writing skills

Advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Winchester/Front Royal

State Role Title:Legal Services Officer II

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

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:WINCHESTER 309

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 Winchester/Front Royal 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 reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Winchester/Front Royal 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

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 intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered for the position.
• 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 working in a Public Defender's office will be strongly considered.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

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.

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.

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: 02 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time