Closing Date: 10th June, 2026

Description:

Job Duties:
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) Winchester/Front Royal Public Defender Office has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and the Assistant Public Defender II will handle trial work for the office and both 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. These positions require the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The VIDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and the Assistant Public Defender II report to the Chief Public Defender of the Winchester/Front Royal Office and are employed at-will. These positions include a local salary supplement.

Duties for the Senior Assistant Public Defender:
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 and litigating motions in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. Additionally, the Senior Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for providing training, supervision, and feedback to less skilled and experienced attorneys, and assist the Chief Public Defender in managing the office.

Duties for the Assistant Public Defender II:
Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions, and litigating motions. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases and litigating motions 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.

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify for the Senior Assistant Public Defender position, Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver is required. Applicants must be effective and persuasive advocates with extensive knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence. The qualified applicant will be well-organized and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of the criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and management abilities, and have at least three (3) years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. A valid driver's license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails is required.

To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must have at least one (1) year of experience as a criminal defense attorney along with the qualifications listed below. Prior experience in Indigent Criminal Defense is required to qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission (or eligibility for admission by waiver) is required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position.
A sincere interest in the cause of indigent defense.
The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback is important.
The ability to track and meet deadlines.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and remain organized.
A valid driver's license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.
Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.

Additional Considerations:
Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role will be strongly considered for the Senior Assistant Public Defender position.

Special Instructions
Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information
Name: Ashley Washington
Phone: 804-662-7249
Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org