Commonwealth Attorney I, II, or III

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church seeks an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney at level 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, reducing unnecessary incarceration, addressing racial and economic disparities, supporting victims, and strengthening community trust through a reform-oriented approach that balances accountability with rehabilitation and healing. The role involves reviewing criminal investigations and making charging decisions, preparing and prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases, and fulfilling constitutional, statutory, and ethical obligations. Attorneys prepare and argue pretrial motions, negotiate pleas, and try cases before a judge or jury. They communicate with victims, witnesses, law enforcement, defense counsel, and community stakeholders; consider diversion, treatment-based interventions, and restorative justice; collaborate on office reform initiatives; participate in community outreach and public education; and maintain accurate case files and records. Level I is an entry-level frontline prosecutor handling a misdemeanor docket with training and mentorship. Level II is a frontline prosecutor expected to independently prosecute a wide 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 flexibility for occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. It is part of a broadband, competency-based pay system, with starting salary determined by qualifications and experience and pay potential based on performance and employee development. Applicants must submit a complete application, including a 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 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.
Level I: Some law enforcement or courtroom experience, including legal research and writing.
Level II: At least three years of law enforcement or courtroom experience, including trial, legal research, and clerk experience.
Level 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.
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.
Applicant must possess, or obtain by appointment, a valid driver’s license, or have the ability and willingness to use alternative transportation for assigned duties away from the primary worksite.
Submit a complete application, including a letter of interest and resume; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Authorize a pre-employment background check covering criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.

Nice To Haves

Level I: Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, criminal justice reform, restorative practices, or community engagement.
Professional-level experience as a practicing trial lawyer in a courtroom setting or as a judicial clerk.
Criminal trial prosecution experience.
Experience prosecuting complex, serious, and/or sensitive criminal misdemeanor and/or felony cases or other cases.

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 criminal investigations and evidence to inform charging decisions.
Fulfill constitutional, statutory, and ethical obligations, including disclosure requirements.
Prepare and argue pretrial motions, engage in plea negotiations, 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.
Use 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.
At level I, handle a misdemeanor docket while developing courtroom advocacy, case evaluation, and community-centered prosecution skills through training and mentorship.
At level II, independently prosecute a wide array of misdemeanors and felonies.
At level III, independently prosecute complex felony cases.