Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Appellate Cohort

Virginia Information Technologies Agency

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill an Assistant Public Defender position that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. This position is within the appellate group of the IDC. This is a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and impact the lives of clients in the Virginia appellate courts. Attorneys will handle public defender cases for adults and juveniles for public defender offices, primarily on appeal to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and Supreme Court of Virginia. This position will report to the Chief Appellate Counsel and is employed at-will. The salary for an Assistant Public Defender II is $87,512 plus state benefits. Assistant Public Defenders II may have the opportunity to primarily telework, commensurate with experience, or be expected to work from the Administrative Office in Richmond, Virginia. The salary for an Assistant Public Defender I is $77,976.00 plus state benefits. Assistant Public Defenders I will work at the Administrative Office in Richmond, Virginia with limited telework opportunities. Duties for all positions include reviewing client trial court records, determining issues for appeal, filing high-quality pleadings in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court on behalf of the client, filing motions in all courts when appropriate, and presenting oral arguments in the appellate courts. The attorney is expected to advise and communicate with clients at all stages of the appeal and respond to client letters in a timely manner. Other duties as assigned to further support public defender offices may also be required. The attorney must comply with all IDC policies and procedures and rules of court. The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission is required. However, if you are registered to take the July 2026 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, or if you intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered for the position.
An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
Willingness to litigate appeals and desire to improve as an appellate attorney.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Strong legal research skills.
Knowledge of criminal law, evidence, and Virginia appellate procedure.
The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback.
The ability to track and meet deadlines.
The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments and remain organized.
To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must be licensed and have experience in criminal defense and/or criminal appeals along with the above-mentioned qualifications.
A valid driver’s license and the means to travel throughout the Commonwealth, including for oral arguments at the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, is required.

Nice To Haves

Primarily telework, commensurate with experience (for Assistant Public Defender II)

Responsibilities

Reviewing client trial court records
Determining issues for appeal
Filing high-quality pleadings in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court on behalf of the client
Filing motions in all courts when appropriate
Presenting oral arguments in the appellate courts
Advise and communicate with clients at all stages of the appeal
Respond to client letters in a timely manner
Other duties as assigned to further support public defender offices may also be required
Comply with all IDC policies and procedures and rules of court