Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I - Richmond

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I which will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.

The Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce this opportunity to be on the front lines of what many consider to be the modern-day Civil Rights Movement-criminal justice and justice reform.

This is a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and impact the lives of clients.

The IDC’s Richmond Public Defender Office has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients.

The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Richmond office and is employed at-will.

The Assistant Public Defender must have compassion for our indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to spot and anticipate legal issues, the ability to write, edit and review motions and briefs, and the ability to make sound legal arguments in a courtroom setting.

This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at

Duties :

Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions, litigating motions, and noticing appropriate appealable issues.

The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts.

The attorney is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and is dedicated to workforce diversity. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission is required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position.

However, if you are registered to take the July 2024 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, or if you intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered for the position.

• An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• The ability to argue legal positions effectively and persuasively, as well as master subject matter and prepare cases thoroughly.
• The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback is important.
• The ability to track and meet deadlines.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and remain organized.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.
• Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence is required.

Additional Considerations

Experience working with disadvantaged communities will be strongly considered. Bilingual candidates who are fluent in both Spanish and English will be considered.

Individuals who are hired before obtaining their Virginia bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and will receive a starting salary of $63,260.

00. Upon, passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed you 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 :

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.