Senior Assistant Public Defender / Deputy Public Defender - Fairfax

Title: Senior Assistant Public Defender / Deputy Public Defender - Fairfax

State Role Title: Legal Services Manager I/II

Hiring Range: $107,037.00/$118,915.00 + State Benefits + Local Salary Supplement

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: FAIRFAX 308

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) Fairfax Public Defender Office has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and Deputy Public Defender will handle trial and appellate cases. The VIDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Senior Assistant Public Defender and the Deputy Public Defender reports to the Public Defender of the Fairfax Office and is employed at-will. These positions include a local salary supplement.

Duties for the Senior Assistant Public Defender:
Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, and litigating pretrial motions. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, as well as identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. The Senior Assistant Public Defender will serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture. This position includes assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys.

Duties for the Deputy Public Defender:
Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions, and litigating motions. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, and identifying appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients. The Deputy will serve as a role model for client-centered representation and collaborative office culture. This position includes assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys. Duties of the Deputy position also include serving as the acting Chief Public Defender in the absence of the Chief Public Defender, oversight of defense teamwork by providing direction and guidance for case preparation, trial strategies, client contacts and communications, plea negotiation, appellate practice, and sentencing advocacy. Additional duties include working with the Chief Public Defender to ensure that attorneys and staff receive appropriate training and continuing education, and to ensure all attorneys receive and maintain certification for court appointments and fully comply with the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel, submitting input and carefully managing the office budget, and preparing and ensuring all required administrative reports and documentation are timely submitted.

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) and Virginia State Bar admission or eligibility for admission by waiver, as well as extensive criminal litigation experience, comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel are required.
• Experience as an advocate for indigent populations.
• The qualified applicant will be well-organized and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of the criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails is required.
• Applicants must have the willingness to try cases and the desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• Applicants must possess the ability to lead, mentor, and manage, and have at least three years of experience as a criminal defense attorney.

Additional Qualifications for the Deputy Public Defender:

• Applicants must have demonstrated history and proficiency with leadership, management, and mentor