Senior Assistant Public Defender - Richmond

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission in Richmond is seeking a Senior Assistant Public Defender to join our Public Defender Office. The role focuses on zealous, high-quality criminal defense advocacy and protecting clients' rights with a client-centered approach.

The attorney will conduct client/witness interviews, litigate pretrial motions, and try cases across multiple courts, reporting to the Chief Public Defender. At-will employment and a commitment to diversity are noted.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D) and Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver.
• Willingness to try cases and improve as a trial attorney.
• Effective communication, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and witnesses; work with investigators to prepare cases.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts; identify sentencing options.
• Serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture.
• Assist Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys.

Job description

Title: Senior Assistant Public Defender - Richmond

State Role Title: Legal Services Manager I

Hiring Range: $100,225.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: RICHMOND 306

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce the 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. The IDC’s Richmond Public Defender Office is seeking an experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorney to serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Richmond Office and is employed at-will.

Duties

• Conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, and litigating pretrial motions.
• The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients.
• The Senior Assistant Public Defender will serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture.
• This position includes assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys.

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 or eligibility for admission by waiver, extensive criminal litigation experience, comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel are required.
• Applicants must have the willingness to try cases and the desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• The qualified applicant will be well-organized and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• Applicants must be able to lead, mentor, have management skills, have at least three years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, and have significant experience working in a public defender office.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails is required.

Additional Considerations

Candidates who are familiar with the city of Richmond's judicial system will be 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.