Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Winchester/Front Royal

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indigent Defense Commission’s Winchester/Front Royal Public Defender Office seeks an Assistant Public Defender I to represent indigent clients in criminal cases. The attorney will handle cases for adults and juveniles across all stages of litigation in multiple courts.

The role requires a J.D. and Virginia Bar admission, with a local salary supplement and at-will employment. The IDC emphasizes commitment to justice, client advocacy, and collaboration within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and admission to the Virginia State Bar.
• Commitment to indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Ability to write, edit, and review motions and briefs; strong courtroom argumentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client and witness interviews; file pretrial and post-trial motions.
• Litigate cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
• Communicate regularly with clients, families and approved parties; work independently and with staff.

Skills

Effective communication

Multi-tasking

Time management

Willingness to try cases

Legal research

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.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website.

Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.

IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question.

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.