Public Defender - Fauquier/Warrenton, Virginia

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Legal Aid & Defender Association seeks a Public Defender in Virginia to lead a diverse team of advocacy professionals. You will manage a personal caseload while championing zealous representation and ethical practice. The role blends courtroom excellence with leadership, policy oversight, and community engagement.

You will drive training, supervise staff, ensure compliance with indigent defense standards, and serve as the office's public face within the justice system.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate strong leadership and mentoring of a defense team.
• Proven ability to manage complex case loads and prep for trials.
• Commitment to indigent defense and courtroom excellence.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients with zealous and ethical advocacy while handling a personal caseload.
• Lead and supervise the defense team; guide case preparation and trial strategy.
• Oversee budgets, records retention, timekeeping and policy compliance.
• Foster a high-performing culture through training and performance management.
• Serve as public face and spokesperson, building relationships with justice partners.

Skills

Legal leadership

Trial advocacy

Case management

Policy compliance

Community outreach

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Position Description 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

As the Public Defender, you will wear many hats, blending the roles of legal champion and inspirational leader. Your diverse range of responsibilities will include:

• 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.