Senior Trial Attorney - Fredericksburg

Title: Senior Trial Attorney - Fredericksburg

State Role Title: Senior Trial Attorney - Fredericksburg

Hiring Range: $103,919.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: FREDERICKSBURG 316

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Senior Trial Attorney for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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, and at least three (3) years of criminal defense experience are required for the full-time, salaried position. Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney. Must have a demonstrated ability to effectively represent clients at all stages of criminal cases, including significant felony jury trial experience. 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.

Additional Considerations

Prior significant recent experience in representing indigent defendants in a Virginia Public Defender Office or as a Court Appointed attorney is desired. Significant Jury trial 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.