Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Prince William

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Prince William, VA

22h•$85,774 - $96,263

About The Position

Virginia Defenders—The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, Prince William Office, is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Public Defender I / II. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated interest in the stated mission of VIDC—to protect and defend the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. This is an opportunity to be on the front lines of what many consider to be the modern-day Civil Rights Movement-criminal justice and justice reform. This is a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and to directly impact the lives of clients in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment. The IDC’s Prince William County Public Defender Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to the IDC’s stated mission. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I / II reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Prince William office and is employed at-will. Currently, employees of the Prince William County Public Defender’s Office receive a 25% local salary supplement in addition to their state salary from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors. The Assistant Public Defender must have compassion for our indigent clients and a desire to become a dominant trial lawyer. The applicant must also have excellent legal skills, the ability to spot and anticipate legal issues, and the ability to write, edit and review motions and briefs. This position requires both the ability to work independently as well as a strong desire to work collaboratively within a team framework. If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at [email protected]. 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 are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. 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. Candidates who are awaiting results from the February bar exam are encouraged to apply!
An 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.
The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback is important.
The ability to track and meet deadlines.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
The 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 are required.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.
To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must have at least two (2) years of experience in public defense along with the above-mentioned qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.

Responsibilities

Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff to investigate and develop cases, filing pre- and post-trial motions, litigating both motions and trials, consistently maintaining digital files, and routinely identifying appealable issues
The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.
The attorney is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties.