The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) Chesapeake Public Defender Office has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorneys will handle trial and appellate cases. The VIDC 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 Chesapeake 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 collaboratively.
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 recruiting@vadefenders.org.
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 and researching, writing, and arguing appeals before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia.
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.