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

DHRM•Richmond, VA

9h•$77,976 - $87,512•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission is hiring Assistant Public Defenders for its Central Virginia offices in Chesterfield and Richmond. The attorney represents adults and juveniles in criminal cases at various stages of litigation, advocating for indigent clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal representation. The position provides an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment focused on criminal justice and social justice reform. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their office and is employed at-will. Applicants should have compassion for indigent clients, strong legal skills, sound courtroom judgment, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The role requires identifying legal issues, preparing and reviewing motions and briefs, and presenting legal arguments. Applicants for the Assistant Public Defender II level must be licensed and have some criminal defense experience. A Juris Doctor and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration, though applicants registered for the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intending to waive into Virginia may also be considered. Those 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 will receive the Assistant Public Defender I title and salary. The position is full-time and salaried. Employment is contingent on a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and authorization to work in the United States is required; the agency uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Virginia State Bar admission; applicants registered for the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intending to waive into Virginia 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 improve as a trial attorney.
Ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback.
Ability to track and meet deadlines.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
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.
Cover letter and resume are required with the application.
Authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience defending criminal cases is strongly considered.
Applicants who recently passed the July bar exam are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Represent adults and juveniles in criminal cases at various stages of litigation.
Conduct client and witness interviews.
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.
Visit clients in jail in a timely manner.
Communicate regularly with clients, family members, and other approved parties.
Track deadlines, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple responsibilities.