Public Defender - Fauquier/Warrenton

DHRM; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission is seeking a Public Defender for Fauquier/Warrenton to lead a team of defense professionals and manage a personal caseload with zealous advocacy in Virginia.

The role reports to the Executive Director, requires J.D. and Virginia Bar admission, and involves active case management, budgeting, and public representation within the community.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D) and Virginia State Bar admission are required.
• Extensive criminal litigation experience.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage performance.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients with zealous advocacy and high-quality representation.
• Lead and supervise the defense team, guiding case prep and trial strategies.
• Oversee administrative functions: budget, records, timekeeping, policy compliance.
• Develop attorneys and staff through training and performance management.
• Serve as public face and spokesperson for the office and build community partnerships.

Skills

Criminal litigation

Leadership

Budget management

Policy compliance

Staff supervision

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D)

Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Public Defender - Fauquier/Warrenton

State Role Title:Legal Services Manager II

Hiring Range: $162,693.00 State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:FAUQUIER 328

Agency Website:www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The IDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Public Defender is an at-will position reporting to the Executive Director and serving at the pleasure of the Commission. A successful candidate is subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

We're seeking a Public Defender who is not only passionate about protecting the rights of the accused but also dedicated to leading and inspiring a team of legal professionals.

Your Role as the Public Defender

• Defender of Justice: Handle a personal caseload with unwavering commitment, ensuring that each client receives the highest level of representation and advocacy.
• Inspirational Leadership: Lead and supervise our dedicated defense team. Provide expert guidance on case preparation, trial strategies, client interactions, plea negotiations and sentencing advocacy.
• Administrative Duties: Oversee essential administrative functions, such as budget management, records retention, timekeeping, and policy compliance. Your organizational skills will keep the office running smoothly.
• Advocate for Excellence: Cultivate a high-performing culture by modeling zealous advocacy -actively managing a caseload, trying difficult cases, and constantly striving to sharpen your own skills as a trial attorney. Develop attorneys and staff through targeted training and performance management, while ensuring strict adherence to Indigent Defense Standards of Practice and court appointment certifications.
• Community Voice & Ambassador: Serve as the public face and primary spokesperson for the office. Champion our mission across the community, build relationships with key justice partners, and fiercely represent the interests of our clients and staff.

If you're ready to take the helm as a Public Defender who not only defends the accused but also drives innovation and excellence in our legal practice, we want to hear from you.

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) and Virginia State Bar admission, extensive criminal litigation experience, comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and the standards of practice for Indigent Defense Counsel, considerable knowledge of management principles, demonstrated ability to effectively supervise subordinate staff, actively manage employee work performance and familiarity with agencies that interact with the Public Defender office and a demonstrable commitment to quality indigent defense representation are required. The ability to fully utilize technology tools and systems. The successful candidate will take advantage of opportunities to further the mission of the IDC through participation with local and state boards, organizations, and community groups. Being present in the office on a regular basis and maintaining physical attendance are considered crucial aspects of this job. The willingness and desire to try cases and continue to develop as a trial attorney is required. A valid driver's license is required.

Additional Considerations

Significant recent experience working as a supervising attorney in a Public Defender's office will be strongly considered.

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.

Advertised: 29 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 30 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time