Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Arlington

Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Arlington

State Role Title: Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $83,276.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: ARLINGTON 322

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I at the Office of the Public Defender for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. This opening is for employment with the office beginning as early as October 10, 2025, although qualified applicants who cannot start until after then will be considered.

The VIDC is committed to providing high-quality legal representation to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses and advocating zealously on behalf of indigent clients both in trial and appellate courts. The Assistant Public Defender I position reports to the Public Defender for the Arlington Office and is employed at-will. In addition to the listed salary, there is a 22.5% local salary supplement, although this 22.5% supplement is discretionary, subject to annual approval by Arlington County, and earnings from the supplement do not impact retirement benefits.

Duties: Duties include representing clients at trial in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, and on appeal in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia; conducting client and witness interviews; preparing and litigating pre- and post-trial motions; working with fact investigators to develop defense evidence; working with mitigation specialists to identify mitigation themes, prepare reentry plans, and draft sentencing memoranda; collaborating with behavioral health professionals to secure alternatives to incarceration; and engaging with the local bar and other community stakeholders in the interest of system-change advocacy and making our criminal courts more fair and just.

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 qualified applicant must demonstrate a deep belief in zealous, client-centered advocacy and a passion for working on behalf of indigent defendants. Additionally, the applicant must value working closely with like-minded individuals in a team environment. It is important that the applicant be comfortable with public speaking and have the potential to argue persuasively before judges and juries. The applicant should possess effective legal research and writing skills, and the capacity to think creatively about legal issues. Comfort working with disadvantaged persons—including mentally ill individuals and those lacking basic resources—as well as those charged with serious felony crimes is essential. The qualified applicant must have a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, social justice, and/or public service.

The qualified candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment with frequently changing tasks and time demands. The candidate must be open to supervision and training in the interest of professional growth and the development of advocacy skills. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and the court.

A Virginia State Bar license is required for employment. The July Virginia Bar Exam filing deadline is May 12, 2025. Applications from those not currently licensed to practice in Virginia are welcomed from applicants who can become licensed by December 2025.

Additional Considerations

The ideal candidate has a background in public service and may have experience working directly with underprivileged people. Prior experience with indigent defense—professional, post-graduate, or clinical—and VIDC certification will be strongly considered. Spanish fluency will be strongly considered. Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered. Lived experiences with indigency, oppression, disenfranchisement, and over-policing will be strongly considered.

Individuals who are hired before obtaining their Virginia bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and will receive a starting salary of $68,905.00. Upon passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed, the successful candidate will receive the title and salary of an Assistant Public Defender I

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

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.