Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Roanoke

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Roanoke, VA

11d•$77,976 - $87,512•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission’s Roanoke Public Defender Office is hiring an Assistant Public Defender I/II to represent indigent adult and juvenile clients in criminal cases at various stages of litigation. The role supports the Commission’s mission to protect and defend clients’ rights and dignity through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. It offers courtroom-based work in a fast-paced environment and an opportunity to contribute to criminal justice reform and social change. The attorney handles cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts; interviews clients and witnesses; works with staff investigators; files and litigates pretrial and post-trial motions; identifies appropriate appealable issues; and maintains timely, regular communication with clients, their families, and other approved parties. The attorney must be able to work independently and collaboratively. The position reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Roanoke office and is at-will. A Juris Doctor and admission to the Virginia State Bar are required for consideration, though candidates registered for the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intending to waive in for Virginia licensure may also be considered. Candidates hired before obtaining Virginia bar licensure 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. Assistant Public Defender II candidates must additionally have at least two years of criminal defense experience, including serious felony and jury trial experience.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Admission to the Virginia State Bar; candidates registered for the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intending to waive in for Virginia licensure may also be considered.
Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
Active interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
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.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence.
For Assistant Public Defender II: at least two years of criminal defense experience, including serious felony and jury trial experience.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check; authorization to work in the U.S. is required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews with clients and witnesses.
Work with staff investigators to investigate cases.
File pretrial and post-trial motions and litigate 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, family members, and other approved parties.
Represent indigent adult and juvenile clients in criminal cases at various stages of litigation.