Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Petersburg

State of Virginia • Petersburg, VA

90d • $77,976

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I, which will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce this 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 impact the lives of clients in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment. The IDC's Petersburg Public Defender's Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Petersburg office and is employed at-will.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Virginia State Bar
• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience (internship, work experience, etc.) in criminal defense

Responsibilities

• Conducting client and witness interviews
• Working with staff investigators to investigate cases
• Filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions
• Litigating motions and 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

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• State benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees