Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Northern Virginia Offices
About The Position
Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. This is a regional job posting with multiple locations hiring for Assistant Public Defenders I/II in Fairfax, Loudoun, Winchester/Front Royal, and Fredericksburg. The IDC is excited about this opportunity to be on the front lines of criminal justice and justice reform, offering a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and impact clients' lives in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment. The Northern Virginia region of Public Defender Offices has openings for attorneys committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The IDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their office and is employed at-will. The position requires compassion for indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to identify and anticipate legal issues, strong writing and editing skills for motions and briefs, and the ability to make sound legal arguments in court. This role demands the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- Virginia State Bar admission (or eligibility to take the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intent to waive in)
- 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
- 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: licensed and have some experience in criminal defense along with the above-mentioned qualifications
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
