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Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Central Virginia Offices

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Posted Oct 29

Full Time

On SiteVirginia, New york

Following Executive Directive #18 from the Governor of Virginia, effective September 1, 2021, VIDC requires proof of COVID vaccination upon hire. Unvaccinated employees are required to complete weekly COVID testing as a condition of employment.

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.

The positions require licensure with the Virginia State Bar, HOWEVER December 2021 Law School Graduates are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at JOBS@VaDefenders.org.

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.

The IDC’s Central Virginia region of Public Defender Offices have openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The IDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their office and is employed at will.

The Assistant Public Defender 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. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Duties:
Duties include 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. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission is required for consideration for this fulltime, salaried position. HOWEVER, offers may be made to those graduating law school in December and intend on taking the February Virginia Bar Exam and/or those who intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia.
An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback is important.
The ability to track and meet deadlines.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
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 are required.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint- based criminal background check.

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

You will receive a confirmation number once your application has been successfully submitted. Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry to the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Name

Human Resources

Phone

Fax

Email

hr@vadefenders.org

Address

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