Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce the 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 newly created Chesterfield Public Defender Office is seeking experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorneys to serve in multiple positions that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.
The Deputy Public Defender and Senior Assistant Public Defenders report to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office and are employed at will.
The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce and staff. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Duties:
Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and litigating motions. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. The Deputy and Senior Assistant Public Defenders will serve as role models for client centered representation and collaborative office culture. These positions include assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys.
Duties of the Deputy position include serving as the acting Chief Public Defender in the absence of the Chief Public Defender, oversight of defense team work by providing direction and guidance for case preparation, trial strategies, client contacts and communications, plea negotiation, appellate practice, and sentencing advocacy. Additional duties include working with the Chief Public Defender to ensure that attorneys and staff receive appropriate training and continuing education, and to ensure all attorneys receive and maintain certification for court appointment and fully comply with the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel, submitting input and carefully managing the office budget, and preparing and ensuring all required administrative reports and documentation are timely submitted.
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 is required. The qualified applicant will be well-organized and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of the criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, mentoring skills, and management abilities, and have at least four years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails is required.
Click the following link: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/227479