Varetire
Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Southwest Virginia Offices
Varetire, Bedford, Ohio, United States, 44146
Overview
Title:
Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Southwest Virginia Offices
State Role Title:
Legal Services Officer II
Hiring Range:
$77,976.00 / $87,517.00 plus State Benefits
Agency:
Indigent Defense Commission
Location:
Multiple Locations
Agency Website:
www.vadefenders.org
Recruitment Type:
General Public - G
Responsibilities
Fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions serving the mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.
Work in a regional posting with multiple locations (Pulaski, Martinsville, Bedford, Danville).
Handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment.
Represent the Assistant Public Defender under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender and work independently and collaboratively.
Conduct client and witness interviews, work with staff investigators, file pretrial and post-trial motions, litigate motions, and identify appealable issues.
Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts; see clients in jail promptly and communicate regularly with clients, families, and other approved parties.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. If you are registered to take the February 2026 Virginia Bar Exam, or intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered. Candidates who recently passed the July bar exam are encouraged to apply.
An active interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
Ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback; ability to track and meet deadlines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and stay organized.
Valid driver’s license and means to travel to all courts and regional jails.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence.
To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must be licensed and have some experience in criminal defense along with the above-mentioned qualifications.
Additional Considerations
Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.
Individuals hired before obtaining Virginia bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks with a starting salary of $65,158. Upon passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed, the title and salary become Assistant Public Defender I.
The position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on loan type.
Special Instructions Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.
You will receive a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted. Refer to “Your Application” in your account to check status. Applications are not saved for future openings. Apply to any and all IDC positions you are considering. Employment is contingent upon successful fingerprint-based background check and eligibility to work in the U.S. IDC uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship.
Applications must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application/interview process.
This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your loan type.
Note: Edits cannot be made to the application once a confirmation number is received. Phone inquiries about application status are not accepted. Check status in the RMS system.
Contact Information Name: Ashley Washington
Phone: 804-662-7249
Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered, provide the AHP Letter from DARS or DBVI. Veterans are encouraged to disclose status and submit disability documentation to DARS/DBVI for AHP Letter. For an AHP Letter, contact DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a COD from DARS/DBVI dated April 1, 2022–February 29, 2024, can still use that COD for the Alternative Hiring Process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Southwest Virginia Offices
State Role Title:
Legal Services Officer II
Hiring Range:
$77,976.00 / $87,517.00 plus State Benefits
Agency:
Indigent Defense Commission
Location:
Multiple Locations
Agency Website:
www.vadefenders.org
Recruitment Type:
General Public - G
Responsibilities
Fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions serving the mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.
Work in a regional posting with multiple locations (Pulaski, Martinsville, Bedford, Danville).
Handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation in a fast-paced, courtroom-based environment.
Represent the Assistant Public Defender under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender and work independently and collaboratively.
Conduct client and witness interviews, work with staff investigators, file pretrial and post-trial motions, litigate motions, and identify appealable issues.
Try cases in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts; see clients in jail promptly and communicate regularly with clients, families, and other approved parties.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. If you are registered to take the February 2026 Virginia Bar Exam, or intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered. Candidates who recently passed the July bar exam are encouraged to apply.
An active interest in indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
Ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback; ability to track and meet deadlines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and stay organized.
Valid driver’s license and means to travel to all courts and regional jails.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence.
To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must be licensed and have some experience in criminal defense along with the above-mentioned qualifications.
Additional Considerations
Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.
Individuals hired before obtaining Virginia bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks with a starting salary of $65,158. Upon passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed, the title and salary become Assistant Public Defender I.
The position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on loan type.
Special Instructions Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.
You will receive a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted. Refer to “Your Application” in your account to check status. Applications are not saved for future openings. Apply to any and all IDC positions you are considering. Employment is contingent upon successful fingerprint-based background check and eligibility to work in the U.S. IDC uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship.
Applications must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application/interview process.
This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your loan type.
Note: Edits cannot be made to the application once a confirmation number is received. Phone inquiries about application status are not accepted. Check status in the RMS system.
Contact Information Name: Ashley Washington
Phone: 804-662-7249
Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered, provide the AHP Letter from DARS or DBVI. Veterans are encouraged to disclose status and submit disability documentation to DARS/DBVI for AHP Letter. For an AHP Letter, contact DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a COD from DARS/DBVI dated April 1, 2022–February 29, 2024, can still use that COD for the Alternative Hiring Process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr