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Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Roanoke

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
Posted Nov 01
Full Time
On Site
Roanoke, Virginia
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.


The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I / II that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high- quality legal advocacy.

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 Roanoke Public Defender Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I / II reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Roanoke 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.

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must have at least two (2) years of experience in public defense along with the above mentioned qualifications.

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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