Deputy Public Defender – Arlington, Virginia

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 Arlington Public Defender’s Office is seeking an experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorney who 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 reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Arlington Office and is employed at-will. 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 and identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. The Deputy will serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture. This position includes assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys. Duties of the Deputy position also include serving as the acting Chief Public Defender in the absence of the Chief Public Defender, oversight of defense teamwork 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 appointments 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 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.