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

DHRM•Halifax, VA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission is hiring Assistant Public Defenders for its Halifax and Martinsville offices in Southwest Virginia. The attorneys represent 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 pursue social change and work in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment. Assistant Public Defenders report to their office’s Chief Public Defender and are employed at-will. The role requires compassion for clients, strong legal skills, the ability to identify and anticipate legal issues, and the ability to prepare and argue motions and briefs. Attorneys must work independently and collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple assignments and deadlines, and be willing to try cases and develop as trial attorneys. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to courts and regional jails are required. A Juris Doctor and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration, although applicants registered for the February 2027 Virginia Bar Exam or intending to waive into Virginia may also be considered. Applicants hired before obtaining Virginia licensure will 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 applicants must be licensed and have some criminal defense experience. Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Employment is contingent on a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and authorization to work in the United States is required. The position may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness depending on the applicant’s loan type.

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.
Authorization to work in the United States; employment is contingent on successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Application must include a cover letter and resume.

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, their family members, and other approved parties.