Section Chief, Correctional Litigation

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief of the Correctional Litigation Section plays a pivotal role in shaping legal strategies, advocating for the Commonwealth's interests in litigation, ensuring compliance with legal standards governing correctional operations, and advising on important legislative matters. The Section Chief is responsible for managing and supervising a Deputy Section Chief, approximately 12 Section attorneys, 7 paralegals, and 5 secretaries. This section represents the Commonwealth, the Department of Corrections, and its employees in hundreds of state and federal lawsuits and responds to advice requests from its clients – the Department of Corrections, the Virginia Parole Board, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. This position is based in Richmond, Virginia. The Office offers up to 2 days of telework per week after an initial probationary period. A successful candidate has significant civil litigation expertise, knowledge of Virginia’s criminal justice system, knowledge of discovery practice and strategy, excellent verbal and written communication skills, good judgment in the context of advising on high stakes matters, and a strong interest in public service. We also seek a candidate with passion for mentoring attorneys in the section as they build skills, gain experience, and advance in their careers. While some prior experience in correctional litigation is preferred, it is not required. We welcome applicants with robust experience in state and federal litigation, in federal 1983 litigation, in representing and defending government entities and employees, and in managing teams of attorneys and complex litigation.

Requirements

Virginia Bar license in good standing
Knowledge of federal and state civil and criminal procedure and rules of evidence
Ability to coordinate and function as the lead attorney in highly complex matters
Ability to manage attorneys and administrative staff
Ability and temperament to mentor section attorneys to develop their litigation skills
Excellent analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills are required
Ability to use tact, judgment and discretion
Ability to quickly assimilate oral and written data to analyze facts and draw logical conclusions
Strong editing skills
Ability to provide clear direction to attorneys and administrative staff
Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and maintain good interpersonal relations with other attorneys and administrative staff as well as effective working relationships with government officials, outside consultants, and the general public

Nice To Haves

Admissions to EDVA, WDVA, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals are preferred
Some prior experience in correctional litigation is preferred
Robust experience in state and federal litigation
Robust experience in federal 1983 litigation
Robust experience in representing and defending government entities and employees
Robust experience in managing teams of attorneys and complex litigation
Minimum of 15-20 years of relevant litigation experience with a background in correctional litigation or relevant robust experience in managing federal and state litigation

Responsibilities

Supervises the Correctional Litigation attorney staff, consisting of attorneys, legal secretaries, and paralegals. The Section Chief assists in case evaluation, litigation decisions and daily administrative functions for the section. These responsibilities are coordinated directly with the Deputy Attorney General to ensure that administrative functions are completed in a timely manner and are applied uniformly across the unit.
Assists Correctional Litigation attorneys daily to ensure quality legal work for the Commonwealth and monitors for the consistency of legal positions taken by the section. Advises attorneys in the section regarding positions, arguments, and strategic decisions on matters.
Coordinates with the Deputy Section Chief to assign work to attorneys in the section, making adjustments in assignments or redistributing work as needed to ensure appropriate assignments and workloads.
Consults with the Deputy on a regular basis concerning the status and operation of the section. Informs the Deputy and Director of the Department of Corrections of significant matters, including those with statewide ramifications, policy changes, and matters that may receive media attention.
Works with each employee to ensure their skill development and exposure to a variety of opportunities and experiences necessary for advancement. Monitors the performance of attorneys in matters and provides feedback to promote skills development.
Reviews formal and informal opinions prepared by section attorneys.
Performs administrative tasks associated with section personnel management, including coordinating and conducting periodic evaluations, making recommendations for position and compensation adjustments, and reviewing travel vouchers and leave requests.
Advises agency heads on complex issues, providing input based on prior dispute experience; responds to inquiries from agency heads and personnel regarding all aspects of correctional litigation.
Provides in-depth legal and policy advice regarding various correctional litigation matters.
Negotiates with other lawyers to resolve disputes and litigation. Where needed, coordinates with Special Counsel, expert witnesses and consultants for litigation.
Provides legal advice and assistance to other attorneys in the Office in the areas of correctional litigation.
Reviews, evaluates, comments upon and monitors legislative proposals introduced in sessions of the Virginia General Assembly.
Ensures, through advising and presentations, that Commonwealth officials and employees are aware and up-to-date on the applicable laws related to the Correctional Litigation section.
Handles other assigned duties and provides assistance to the Attorney General in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Office.