Closing Date: 17th December, 2025
Description:
Summary:The City of Roanoke is seeking a Senior Assistant Commonwealth Attorney to perform work in the enforcement of criminal laws under the Commonwealth of Virginia and ordinances under the City of Roanoke. The successful candidate will prosecute cases before all courts of the City of Roanoke; assist in the preparation and investigation of criminal trials; and interview witnesses and victims of crime where directed and render guidance and legal advice where appropriate. They will also assist the Commonwealth Attorney in the supervision of junior assistant Commonwealths' Attorneys and manages the office in the absence of the Commonwealth's Attorney; assist in the preparation of the the state compensation board and the City of Roanoke annual budgets; and supervise Victim/Witness Coordinator, administrative assistants and clerical staff. Requires a law degree from an accredited law school and must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, five to ten years related experience and/or training in the practice of law; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is an exempt position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.:
- Assists Commonwealth Attorney in the supervision of junior assistant Commonwealth Attorneys and manages the office in the absence of the Commonwealth Attorney
- Assists in the preparation of the the state compensation board and the City of Roanoke annual budgets.
- Prepares misdemeanor and felony cases as determined by the Commonwealth's Attorney
- Prosecutes cases before all courts of the City of Roanoke
- Assists in the preparation and investigation of criminal trials
- Interviews witnesses and victims of crime where directed and renders guidance and legal advice where appropriate
- Assists in the negotiation of pleas
- Assists in the preparation of appeals
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises Victim/Witness Coordinator, administrative assistants and clerical staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Examples of Duties:
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Law degree from an accredited law school and must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia; five to ten years related experience and/or training in the practice of law; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Typical Qualifications:
Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints orally or in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Eligibility to practice law in the state of Virginia.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
