Legal Fellow

Closing Date: 25th June, 2026

Description:

Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with our personnel policies.

A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.

General Statement of Job
Under general supervision, performs professional legal work in the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Work involves independently preparing routine legal documents and composing and typing a variety of legal and routine documents. Under the direct supervision of a licensed and practicing attorney, and in accordance with a third-year practice certificate for law students, work involves performing legal research in the preparation of criminal trials; prosecuting jury and non-jury trials in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, including trials of drug cases and/or negotiating settlements; and preparing Appellate Court and other legal briefs, as necessary. Work also involves receiving, screening, and responding to a variety of inquiries by telephone and in person, and providing information, assistance, or referring inquiries to the appropriate personnel. Work also involves coordinating court dates, continuances, etc., and notifying involved parties. Employee is responsible for maintaining a variety of confidential and routine files and records. Employee must be able to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in completing assignments. Employee must exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public, victims, and witnesses. Reports to the Commonwealth's Attorney.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work irrespective of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed.

Special Duties & Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of a licensed and practicing attorney, prepares misdemeanor and felony criminal cases for trial, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with defense attorneys, conferring with law enforcement and judicial personnel, locating witnesses and defendants, interviewing victims and witnesses, performing legal research, conferring with victims and their families, investigating incidents, and visiting crime scenes.
• Presents cases in court and makes motions and recommendations to the court; questions witnesses and defendants in accordance with and under the authority of a third-year practice certificate for third-year law students.
• Performs legal research and prepares memorandums of law pertaining to assigned criminal cases.
• Studies legal periodicals and new appellate rulings to keep abreast of developments in the field; attends courses to meet continuing legal education requirements.
• Answers telephone and greets visitors; receives inquiries for the Commonwealth's Attorney and his/her assistants, provides information and assistance, or takes messages.
• Composes and types material from typed, handwritten, or machine dictation, which requires the use of a variety of complicated formats for preparing plea agreements, briefs, show cause motions, subpoenas, and other legal and court documents; prepares correspondence, memos, and other routine documents; assumes responsibility for the correctness of spelling, punctuation, format, and grammar.
• Maintains a calendar of upcoming cases, judges, etc.
• Prepares show cause motions/orders for the Court; prepares extradition petitions.
• Orders criminal histories, driving records, and prior criminal/driving convictions; obtains police reports and coordinates court cases.
• Receives and distributes incoming mail; analyzes incoming mail and determines appropriate actions.
• Arranges and coordinates continuances; prepares and types continuance orders, letters, etc.
• Notifies correctional facilities of court dates and times for inmates; prepares transportation orders
• Sets up and maintains a variety of confidential and general files.
• Delivers and retrieves documents from courts and County offices.
• Receives and files state laboratory certificates of analysis with appropriate courts; receives and files medical examiner's reports.
• Copies documents and sends facsimiles, as necessary.
• Assists probation and parole officers with needed information from case files, etc.
• Assumes duties and responsibilities of subordinates in their absence or as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Training & Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree, or current enrollment in a course of study to obtain a Juris Doctorate Degree, and eligibility for a third-year practice certificate.

Special Requirements:

• Knowledge of the proceedings, practices, policies, rules, and regulations of the practice of criminal law and trial preparation.
• Knowledge of all Commonwealth and local laws, codes, and ordinances pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of legal research and investigation methodology, and is able to perform comprehensive legal research. Knowledge of the structure and operation of the judicial system.
• Knowledge of statutory provisions applying to rules of order.
• Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of criminal law, including court decisions and pertinent legislation.
• Knowledge of the use of the National Crime Information Center computer system.
• Skill in legal writing.
• Skill in oratory.
• Ability to effectively interview criminal suspects, crime victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officials.
• Ability to use common office machinery.
• Familiarity with common office software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, Westlaw, etc.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and court decisions, and to use legal source material in technical research.
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex legal records.
• Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in all phases of work.
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, firmness, and discretion in frequent contact with criminal suspects, crime victims, court and law enforcement officials, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from superiors. Communication also involves dealing with all levels, including juveniles, the aged, and experts in many fields.
• Ability to read a variety of informational documents, appellate reports, periodicals, codes, manuals, reports, and various court reports and records. Ability to prepare legal briefs, memoranda, exhibits, guidelines, notes, correspondence, plea agreements, jury instructions, etc., using a prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Must be able to speak before an audience with poise, voice control, and confidence.
• Ability to understand the meaning, relationships, and principles of symbols, formulas, and concepts; to develop methods and procedures for problem-solving; to present solutions in logical and systematic forms and sequences.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to use and interpret criminal law terminology.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; and determine percentages and decimals. Must be able to understand and apply the theories of geometry, descriptive statistics, and statistical theory.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.
• Must be adaptable to performing under varied levels of stress.

Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, including computers, copiers, facsimile machines, telephones, etc. Must be able to exert up to 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately when using automated office equipment. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas using spoken words; hearing - perceiving the nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.

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