Expungement & Sealing Resource Attorney

Title: Expungement & Sealing Resource Attorney

State Role Title: Legal Services Manager I

Hiring Range: $97,306.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: Statewide

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking a qualified and motivated attorney to serve as the Expungement and Sealing (E&S) Resource Attorney. This position plays a critical role in providing legal training and consultation to public defenders and certified court-appointed counsel across the Commonwealth, specifically related to expungement, sealing, and collateral consequences of criminal convictions. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of Virginia criminal law, strong litigation and research skills, and the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively. This attorney will be responsible for developing training, offering consultation, monitoring legislative developments, and serving as a statewide resource on all matters involving E&S. Additionally, the attorney will stay informed on law and policy changes and conduct research. Applicants from across the Commonwealth of Virginia are encouraged to apply; however, this position requires regular travel and may include reporting to an assigned regional public defender office. The Expungement and Sealing Resource Attorney reports to the Executive Director of the Administrative Office and is employed at-will.

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

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Virginia, or eligibility to waive into the Virginia Bar.
• Substantial knowledge of Virginia criminal law and procedure.
• Design and deliver training programs on expungement and sealing law, procedures, and collateral consequences for public defenders and certified court-appointed attorneys across Virginia.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on E&S consequences of criminal convictions.
• Significant experience in criminal litigation.
• Proficient in legal research and writing, including the use of tools such as LexisNexis.
• Demonstrated ability to present legal information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, draw valid conclusions, and offer case-specific legal recommendations.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the legal community, including public defenders, court personnel, and advocacy groups.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and remotely if needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with attorneys, staff, and the public.

Additional Considerations

Significant criminal defense experience 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

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.