Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Tidewater Virginia Offices

DHRM•Chesapeake, VA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is hiring Assistant Public Defenders for its Chesapeake, Hampton, and Newport News offices in the Tidewater Virginia region. The role advances the IDC’s mission to protect and defend clients’ rights and dignity through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. Attorneys handle adult and juvenile criminal cases at various stages of litigation in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their office and is employed at-will. The attorney must demonstrate compassion for indigent clients, strong legal skills, sound courtroom judgment, and the ability to identify legal issues and prepare, edit, and review motions and briefs. The work requires both independent and collaborative practice. Applicants must have a Juris Doctor degree and Virginia State Bar admission, subject to the stated consideration for candidates planning to take the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or waive in for Virginia licensure. Candidates hired before obtaining Virginia bar licensure will work as Law Clerks at a starting salary of $65,158; after passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed, they receive the Assistant Public Defender I title and salary. To qualify as an Assistant Public Defender II, an applicant must be licensed and have some criminal defense experience. Applications must include a cover letter and résumé and be submitted electronically. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Authorization to work in the United States is required; the IDC uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship. The position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness depending on the applicant’s loan type.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Virginia State Bar admission; candidates registered for the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intending to waive in for Virginia licensure may also be considered.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence.
Active interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
Willingness to try cases and desire to develop as a trial attorney.
Ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and remain organized.
Valid driver’s license and means to travel to courts and regional jails.
For Assistant Public Defender II: Virginia licensure and some criminal defense experience.
Employment authorization in the United States.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.
Recent passage of the July bar exam is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews with clients and witnesses.
Work with staff investigators to investigate cases.
File and litigate pretrial and post-trial motions.
Identify and notice appropriate appealable issues.
Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
See clients in jail in a timely manner.
Communicate regularly with clients, their family members, and other approved parties.
Track and meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple tasks.