Department Counsel - Director's Office - CF650

Title: Department Counsel - Director's Office - CF650

State Role Title: Hearing Legal Servcs Offcr III

Hiring Range: $110,000-$135,000

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science has experienced record growth and is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The transition is anticipated for First Quarter 2026.

Make an Impact as Department Counsel with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. Are you ready to take on a pivotal role where your legal expertise shapes policy, ensures compliance, and supports the mission of public safety? The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking an experienced Attorney to serve as Department Counsel, managing and providing comprehensive legal advice in all agency non-litigation matters. Duties include advising on regulatory law, contracts, employment law, procurement, grant applications, compliance with court orders, Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) responses, subpoena duces tecum responses, and record retention.

Counsel advises the Department’s administration on policy and operations and assists the Director and Chief Deputy Director as an agency representative in legislative matters, as well as issues relating to the Forensic Science Board and Scientific Advisory Committee. This position serves as a liaison to the Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, defense attorneys, and the courts. Additionally, Counsel reviews pertinent legal decisions, laws, regulations, and federal and state policies, and provides training on these matters. Counsel also conducts legal research and drafts memoranda and grants language and represents the agency in administrative hearings. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required. This position may be eligible for telework opportunities one day a week following successful completion of agency training and orientation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations affecting forensic science
• Working knowledge of state and federal criminal procedures and applicable law
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong ability to analyze problems and develop solutions
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive topics
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience in federal and state court litigation pertinent to forensic science
• Experience supervising staff
• Working knowledge of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Experience in contracts, procurement, and/or grant applications
• Experience in drafting and tracking legislation
• Experience with drafting and promulgating regulations
• General familiarity with the Department of Forensic Science and its mission
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and its processes
• Awareness of state government structure and operations

Special Instructions

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.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection,