Senior Assistant Public Defender / Senior Trial Attorney - Richmond

DHRM•Richmond, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce the 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. The IDC’s Richmond County Public Defender Office is seeking experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorneys to fill a Senior Assistant Public Defender or Senior Trial Attorney position. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and the Senior Trial Attorney report to the Chief Public Defender of the Richmond Office, and are employed at-will. These positions include a local salary supplement.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D)
Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver
Extensive criminal litigation experience (including jury trial experience as lead counsel)
Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel
Well-organized
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Willing and able to file and litigate complex pretrial motions including Brady Motions, Motions to Suppress, and other creative evidentiary and legal motions in the face of opposition from the prosecution and the judges
Demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients
Demonstrate a commitment to developing attorneys and staff with a teaching/mentoring mindset and a management approach that aims to create a culture dedicated to client-centered representation, fosters candor between colleagues, and is receptive to constructive criticism and feedback (Senior Assistant applicants)
Strong trial skills
Significant experience as a criminal defense attorney
Significant jury trial experience
A valid driver’s license
The means to travel to all courts and regional jails

Nice To Haves

Significant and recent experience working in a public defender's office or as a criminal defense attorney representing indigent clients
Prior experience in a supervisory or leadership role

Responsibilities

Conducting client and witness interviews
Working with staff investigators to investigate cases
Filing and litigating pretrial motions
Litigating or assisting others to litigate cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts
Identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients
Assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising, mentoring and training attorneys (Senior Assistant position)
Developing training for trial staff (Senior Trial Attorney position)
Identifying and preparing case strategies for jury trials (Senior Trial Attorney position)
Sitting as co-counsel on juries with less experienced attorneys (Senior Trial Attorney position)