Senior Trial Attorney - Loudoun

Commonwealth of Virginia; Virginia; On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) seeks a Senior Trial Attorney for the Loudoun Public Defender’s Office. Experience in criminal defense and commitment to zealous, client-centered advocacy are essential. Will report to the Chief Public Defender and be employed at-will.

The role covers all phases of representation, including trials in multiple courts and sentencing alternatives, with a strong focus on collaboration and inclusion within the office culture.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D) and Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver.
• Extensive criminal litigation experience.
• At least five years of criminal defense experience.

Responsibilities

• Duties include all phases of client representation from initial appointment through final appeal.
• Try cases in General District, Juvenile, and Circuit Courts, including serious felonies.
• Mentor and model zealous, client-centered representation.

Skills

Criminal defense experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D) and Virginia State Bar admission

Job description

Title: Senior Trial Attorney - Loudoun

State Role Title: Legal Services Manager I

Hiring Range: $110,248.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: LOUDOUN 411

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Senior Trial Attorney for the Loudoun Public Defender’s Office. The qualified candidate should be an experienced criminal defense attorney with a demonstrated commitment to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Trial Attorney will report to the Chief Public Defender of the Loudoun Office and will be employed at-will.

Duties:

Duties include all phases of client representation from initial appointment through final appeal. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases, including serious felonies, in the General District, Juvenile, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. The Senior Trial Attorney will serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce and staff. 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 and at least five (3) years of criminal defense experience are required for the full-time, salaried position. Must have a demonstrated ability to effectively represent clients at all stages of criminal cases. Extensive knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence is required, and the ability to mentor and serve as a role model of effective, zealous representation. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the IDC Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel is required. A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required. Prior experience representing indigent clients is required. Extensive experience with jury trials, including serious felony cases, is required.

Additional Considerations

Prior significant recent experience in representing indigent defendants in the Loudoun court system will be strongly considered.

Special Instructions

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.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

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.