Position Information

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.

The Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce this 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 Central Virginia region of Public Defender Offices has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The IDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their 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.

This is a regional job posting. Multiple locations will be hiring for Assistant Public Defenders I/II. The following Public Defender offices have open positions: Chesterfield, Lynchburg, and Halifax.

The positions require licensure with the Virginia State Bar, HOWEVER, offers may be made to those who are registered to take the July 2023 Virginia Bar Exam or those who intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia. February Bar passers are encouraged to apply.

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 post-trial motions, litigating motions, and noticing appropriate appealable issues. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties.

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.