Attorney - Senior Assistant Public Defender/ Assistant Public Defender II - Chesterfield
About The Position
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) Chesterfield Public Defender Office has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and the Assistant Public Defender II will handle trial work for the office and both must have compassion for our indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to spot and anticipate legal issues, the ability to write, edit, and review motions and briefs, and the ability to make sound legal arguments in a courtroom setting. These positions require the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The VIDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and the Assistant Public Defender II report to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office and are employed at-will. Duties for the Senior Assistant Public Defender: Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions, and litigating motions. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases and litigating motions in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. Additionally, the Senior Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for providing training, supervision, and feedback to less skilled and experienced attorneys, and assist the Chief Public Defender in managing the office. Duties for the Assistant Public Defender II: Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions, and litigating motions. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases and litigating motions 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. 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
- Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver
- Effective and persuasive advocates with extensive knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence
- Well-organized and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of the criminal defense team
- Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and management abilities (Senior Assistant Public Defender only)
- At least three (3) years of experience as a criminal defense attorney (Senior Assistant Public Defender only)
- At least one (1) year of experience as a criminal defense attorney (Assistant Public Defender II only)
- Prior experience in Indigent Criminal Defense (Assistant Public Defender II only)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- A sincere interest in the cause of indigent defense
- The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback
- The ability to track and meet deadlines
- 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
- Knowledge of criminal law and evidence
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role
Responsibilities
- Conducting client and witness interviews
- Working with staff investigators to investigate cases
- Filing pretrial motions
- Litigating motions
- Trying cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts
- Identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients
- Providing training, supervision, and feedback to less skilled and experienced attorneys (Senior Assistant Public Defender only)
- Assisting the Chief Public Defender in managing the office (Senior Assistant Public Defender only)
- Filing post-trial motions (Assistant Public Defender II only)
- Seeing clients in jail in a timely manner (Assistant Public Defender II only)
- Communicating regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties (Assistant Public Defender II only)
Benefits
- State Benefits
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
