Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission is seeking to fill an Assistant Public Defender I position 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 Fredericksburg 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 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 the Fredericksburg 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.
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].
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.
The Attorney must have basic knowledge of criminal law, criminal defense procedures, court practices and procedures, legal codes and precedents, client file maintenance, internet search methods, and Virginia Criminal Law. Also, should have basic familiarization with Constitutional Law & Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Representation.
The qualified candidate should be able to receive direction from multiple resources and have the working skills to analyze probable outcomes of cases. Must be able to analyze client records, evaluate client’s needs, and recommend programs as well as work independently and dependently in a fast paced, team driven environment. Must be able to communicate and interact with the public, office colleagues and judicial system personnel and be very detail oriented. The ability to learn and accept constructive criticism is important as well as the ability to respond quickly and effectively in addressing issues and questions. Should have the ability to prepare legal briefs, prepare appeals, evaluate findings and develop strategies based on the findings. The ability to argue effectively and persuasively in a court room setting, respond quickly and effectively addressing issues and questions, master subject matter and prepare cases thoroughly is required. Immediate availability to work in the Fredericksburg region is required.
The qualified applicant will have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing as well as 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. Virginia State Bar and Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree is required for consideration.
Click the link to apply: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/192240
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