Assistant Public Defender

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Job location
1604 Santa Rosa Road
Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23229
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Virginia Defenders
Street address: 
1604 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 200
City: 
Richmond
State: 
Virginia
ZIP: 
23229
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) has an unprecedented opportunity to expand our workforce throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia with the addition of multiple new positions.

The 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 the IDC will be accepting applications from individuals who intend to take the Virginia State Bar in July 2020 or intend to waive into Virginia. Employment offers will be made contingent on Virginia Bar exam passage and successful licensure in Virginia.

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 [email protected].

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 Tidewater 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 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 to be a good team player.

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. Contingent Offers will be made to some applicants who intend to take the 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.

Requirements: 

• 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 apply: 

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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. Applications should include complete work and salary history, contact information for all current and prior employers, reasons for leaving all prior employment and explanations for any periods of unemployment. Applications should be completed in their entirety.

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.

Notes: 
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.
Salary range: 
$53,054.00 + State Benefits + Salary Supplements (Depending on Locality)
Submission deadline: 
Monday, April 6, 2020