Judicial Operations Staff Attorney

Job Duties

The Court of Appeals of Virginia is seeking applications for a full-time Staff Attorney to support appellate case management, judicial analytics, and special projects for the Court and Judges’ Chambers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Staff Attorney, under the direction of the Chief Judge, will perform a combination of legal, analytical, and administrative support functions, including:
 

• Monitoring and tracking appellate cases, including identifying procedural developments and high-profile or complex matters
• Analyzing docket activity and compiling statistical data for internal use and the Court’s Annual Report to the General Assembly
• Conducting legal research and preparing written memoranda for Judges’ Chambers on assigned matters 
• Assisting with drafting bench memoranda and other judicial documents as needed 
• Supporting the onboarding and orientation of new judges, including preparation of materials and reference documents
• Assisting with special projects involving court operations, legal trends, and appellate procedure
• Providing research and drafting support to Chambers during periods of staffing constraints
• Performing additional duties related to court operations and judicial support as assigned by the Chief Judge.

Minimum Qualifications

The most competitive candidates will possess:

Applicants must:

• Be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar 
• Demonstrate strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills 
• Be able to evaluate and synthesize large volumes of legal and procedural information 
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Be dependable, discreet, and capable of managing multiple priorities with strong attention to detail 
• Be proficient with legal research platforms, case tracking systems, and standard word processing software

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience working in an appellate court or judicial chambers 
• Have at least three (3) years of experience in appellate practice, circuit court litigation, or closely related legal work  
• Familiarity with appellate rules, procedures, and court operations
• Experience with legal data analysis or court reporting/statistical work

Contact Information

Email: Humanresources@VACourts.gov