Juris Doctor (J.D) and Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver, extensive criminal litigation experience (including jury trial experience as lead counsel), comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel are required. The qualified applicant will be well-organized and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The qualified applicant must be willing and able to file and litigate complex pretrial motions including Brady Motions, Motions to Suppress, and other creative evidentiary and legal motions in the face of opposition from the prosecution and the judges. Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
Senior Assistant applicants must demonstrate a commitment to developing attorneys and staff with a teaching/mentoring mindset and a management approach that aims to create a culture dedicated to client-centered representation, fosters candor between colleagues, and is receptive to constructive criticism and feedback.
The Senior Trial Attorney position may include significant caseload and training responsibility in lieu of formal management responsibility. Strong trial skills are required. The position may include developing training for trial staff and, in a team environment, identifying and preparing case strategies for jury trials and sitting as co-counsel on juries with less experienced attorneys. The qualified applicant for either role should have significant experience as a criminal defense attorney and significant jury trial experience. A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails is required.
Additional Considerations
Significant and recent experience working in a public defender office or as a criminal defense attorney representing indigent clients will be strongly considered. Prior experience in a supervisory or leadership role will be strongly considered.