Closing Date: 8th September, 2026
Description:
Job Duties:Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Senior Trial Attorney for the Halifax Public Defender's Office. The qualified candidate should be an experienced criminal defense attorney with a demonstrated commitment to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Trial Attorney will report to the Chief Public Defender of the Halifax Office and will be employed at-will.
Duties:
Duties include all phases of client representation from initial appointment through final appeal. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases, including serious felonies, in the General District, Juvenile, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. The Senior Trial Attorney will serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture.
The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce and staff. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, Virginia State Bar member in good standing, extensive and substantial experience in a Public Defender Office are required for the full-time, salaried position. Must have a demonstrated ability to effectively represent clients at all stages of criminal cases. Extensive knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence is required, and the ability to mentor and serve as a role model of effective, zealous representation. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the IDC Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel is required. A valid driver's license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required. Prior experience representing indigent clients is required. Extensive experience with jury trials, including serious felony cases, is required.
Additional Considerations:
Prior significant recent experience in representing indigent defendants in the Halifax court system will be strongly considered.
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
