Attorney - Assistant Public Defender - Franklin​/Smithfield

Title:

Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Franklin/Smithfield

Legal Services Officer II

$77,976.00 + State Benefits

Indigent Defense Commission

FRANKLIN 313

www.vadefenders.org

General Public - G

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I 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 in a fast‑paced, courtroom‑based environment.

The IDC’s Franklin 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 reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Franklin 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 recruiting.

Duties:

• Conduct client and witness interviews

• Work with staff investigators to investigate cases

• File pretrial motions and post‑trial motions

• Litigate motions

• Notice appropriate appealable issues

• Try cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts

• 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.

• Juris Doctor (J.D) and 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 are required.
• An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• 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.

Prior experience in defending criminal cases will be considered. Demonstrated experience or interest in criminal defense and indigent defense will be strongly considered. Applicants who possess both misdemeanor and felony certifications will be strongly considered.

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. 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…