Closing Date: 19th August, 2026

Description:

Job Duties:
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) Administrative Office is seeking an experienced and collaborative attorney to serve as our Field Operations & Resource Attorney. This dynamic position plays a key role in supporting 29 public defender offices across the Commonwealth through strategic operations, legislative advocacy, attorney recruitment, training, and resource development. The role advances our mission to protect and defend the rights and dignity of our clients by providing zealous, compassionate, and high-quality legal advocacy. The Field Operations & Resource Attorney serves as an operational partner, working closely with public defender offices, agency leadership, state and local government, and external stakeholders to strengthen Virginia's public defense system. The Field Operations & Resource Attorney reports to the Deputy Director and is employed at-will.

Duties:
Serves as a key administrative and operational resource by building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, community partners, and other organizations to advance agency initiatives and strategic priorities. Monitors and analyzes legislation affecting the agency, tracks bills throughout the General Assembly process, and represents the agency by providing information, testimony, and presentations as appropriate. Develops and implements strategies to recruit, cultivate, and retain a diverse pipeline of legal talent while identifying funding opportunities and recommending resource allocation to support agency programs and initiatives. Applies subject matter expertise in public defense to develop, coordinate, and deliver training and professional development opportunities for public defenders and agency staff. In consultation with the Deputy Director, coordinates complex administrative projects, including office leases, relocations, and lease modifications, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, timelines, and operational needs. Communicates effectively with agency leadership, employees, external partners, and the public through clear oral and written communication. Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships while managing multiple competing priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and exercising sound judgment in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Utilizes agency technology, systems, and business applications to support operational efficiency and maintain accurate records. Regular attendance and in-office presence are required to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

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:

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Virginia State Bar are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. However, candidates who intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia may still be considered for the position.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
Knowledge of the General Assembly process; ability to track bills and testify or speak on behalf of the agency.
Ability to develop and maintain pipelines for diverse legal talent.
Interest in identifying funding and resource opportunities and developing allocation strategies.
Knowledge of the law and expertise in public defense; ability to develop and deliver training for public defenders.
Strong organization and time management skills to manage projects, leases, moves, and lease modifications.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the general public, and outside partners.
Meet competing, inflexible deadlines.
Work effectively in a stressful and high-volume environment.
Stay focused and successfully perform work with multiple distractions.
Fully utilize technology tools and systems.
Maintain regular attendance and physical presence in the office.
Valid driver's license required.

Additional Considerations:
Prior experience in a public defender's office or a demonstrated commitment to the cause of indigent defense.

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