Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Harrisonburg/Rockingham County
About The Position
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is seeking an Assistant Public Defender I/II to join their Harrisonburg Public Defender Office. This role is crucial in upholding the mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, and high-quality legal advocacy. The position is on the front lines of criminal justice and justice reform, offering a unique platform to develop and pursue social change. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles through various stages of litigation in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment. The Assistant Public Defender I/II reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Harrisonburg office and is employed at-will. The ideal candidate will possess compassion for indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to anticipate legal issues, strong writing and brief review capabilities, and the skill to make sound legal arguments in court. This position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- Virginia State Bar admission (or registered to take the July 2026 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, or intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia)
- Active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice
- Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney
- Ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback
- Ability to track and meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments and remain organized
- A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails
- Knowledge of criminal law and evidence
- For Assistant Public Defender II: at least two (2) years of experience in public defense
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience defending criminal cases
Responsibilities
- Conducting client and witness interviews
- Working with staff investigators to investigate cases
- Filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions
- Litigating motions
- Noticing appropriate appealable issues
- Trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts
- Seeing clients in jail in a timely manner
- Communicating regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties
Benefits
- State Benefits
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on loan type
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
