Senior Assistant Public Defender - Newport News
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 Newport News Public Defender Office is seeking an experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorney to serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Newport News Office and is employed at-will. This position includes a local salary supplement.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D)
- Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver
- Extensive criminal litigation experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel
- Willingness to try cases and the desire to improve as a trial attorney
- Ability and experience to train other attorneys to become excellent trial advocates
- Well-organized
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients
- Ability to lead, mentor, and manage
- At least three years of experience as a criminal defense attorney
- Significant experience working in a public defender office
- A valid driver’s license
- Means to travel to all courts and regional jails
Nice To Haves
- Fluency in Spanish
Responsibilities
- Conducting client and witness interviews
- Working with staff investigators to investigate cases
- Litigating pretrial motions
- Trying cases in the General District and Circuit Courts
- Identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients
- Serving as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture
- Assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys
- Direct supervision of 3-4 APD I/IIs on the GDC/Circuit team
- Serving on the Board for the Behavioral Health Docket, which requires a weekly court appearance
- Providing support to the Appellate Supervisor
- Serving on the City’s Public Safety Committee requiring attendance at meetings and events throughout the year
- May be asked to participate in other City events and negotiate with City officials about salary supplements
Benefits
- State Benefits
- Local Salary Supplement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
