Commonwealth Attorney I, II, or III

Arlington County Government•Arlington, MA

10h•$87,318 - $200,096•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church is hiring an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I, II, or III. The office advances public safety through fairness, accountability, transparency, and evidence-based prosecution. It seeks attorneys committed to public service, prosecutorial ethics, and reform-oriented approaches that balance accountability with rehabilitation and healing. All levels review criminal investigations, make charging decisions, prepare and prosecute misdemeanor and felony cases, meet constitutional, statutory, and ethical obligations, prepare and argue pretrial motions, negotiate pleas, and try cases before judges or juries. Attorneys communicate with victims, witnesses, law enforcement, defense counsel, and community stakeholders; use data-driven practices; identify alternatives to prosecution and diversion, treatment, or restorative justice options; contribute to office-wide reform; participate in community outreach and public education; and maintain accurate case files. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I is an entry-level frontline prosecutor who handles a misdemeanor docket while receiving training and mentorship. Level II is a frontline prosecutor with at least three years of courtroom experience, expected to independently prosecute a broad range of misdemeanors and felonies. Level III is a senior frontline prosecutor expected to independently prosecute complex felony cases. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with a flexible schedule, limited telework opportunities, and occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. It is part of a broadband, competency-based pay system; starting salary within the applicable band depends on qualifications and experience, and pay potential is based on performance and employee development. Applicants must submit a complete application, letter of interest, and resume. A pre-employment background check is required. Applicants must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by appointment, or be willing and able to use alternative transportation for assigned duties away from the primary worksite.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university.
Membership in the Virginia State Bar or eligibility for waiver.
Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
Excellent judgment, integrity, and professionalism.
Commitment to public service and equal justice under the law.
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work effectively in a team environment.
Valid driver’s license by appointment, or ability and willingness to use alternative transportation for assigned duties at locations other than the primary worksite.
Submit a complete application, including a letter of interest, resume, and supplemental-question responses.
Successful pre-employment criminal records check, including criminal, driving, education, professional licensure, and credit history checks.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I: Some law enforcement or courtroom experience, including legal research and writing.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II: At least three years of law enforcement or courtroom experience, including trial, legal research, and clerk experience.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney III: At least three years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney, including trial experience with complex felony cases, legal research, and legal writing.

Nice To Haves

Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful for Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, criminal justice reform, restorative practices, or community engagement.

Responsibilities

Review criminal investigations and make charging decisions consistent with applicable law, office policy, and the interests of justice.
Prepare and prosecute misdemeanor and felony cases.
Assess investigations and evidence and make charging decisions.
Fulfill constitutional, statutory, and ethical obligations, including disclosure requirements.
Prepare and argue pretrial motions, negotiate pleas, and try cases to verdict before a judge or jury.
Communicate regularly with victims, witnesses, law enforcement, defense counsel, and community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Embrace data-driven and evidence-based practices.
Identify appropriate alternatives to prosecution, diversion opportunities, treatment-based interventions, and restorative justice options.
Collaborate with colleagues on office-wide reform initiatives and improvements to prosecutorial practices.
Participate in community outreach and public education efforts.
Maintain accurate case files and records.
For level I, handle a misdemeanor docket while developing courtroom advocacy, case evaluation, and community-centered prosecution skills through training and mentorship.
For level II, independently prosecute a wide array of misdemeanors and felonies.
For level III, independently prosecute complex felony cases.