Senior Trial Attorney - Roanoke

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

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission seeks a Senior Trial Attorney in Roanoke to lead high-stakes criminal defense, handling cases from initial appointment to appeal, and mentoring staff in zealous, client-centered advocacy.

The role requires a JD, Virginia Bar admission, and substantial indigent defense experience, including jury trials, with travel to regional courts. Public Service Loan Forgiveness may apply; employment is at-will and contingent on background checks.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence is required.
• Prior experience representing indigent clients is required.
• Must have JD and be a Virginia Bar member in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of client representation from initial appointment through final appeal.
• Try cases, including serious felonies, in the General District, Juvenile, and Circuit Courts.
• Identify appropriate sentencing options and mentor others in zealous representation.

Skills

Criminal law

Criminal procedure

Evidence

Jury trials

Indigent defense

Mentorship/role model

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Virginia State Bar in good standing

Job description

Title: Senior Trial Attorney - Roanoke

State Role Title: Legal Services Manager I

Hiring Range: $100,225.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: ROANOKE 303

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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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.) degree, Virginia State Bar member in good standing, extensive and substantial experience in a Public Defender's office 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 Roanoke 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.

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.