Assistant Commonwealth Attorney

Important Notice

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A career in prosecution is designed for attorneys dedicated to public service and who are committed to the ideals of public safety and justice. The Commonwealth's Attorney Office is committed to transformative justice in the promotion of effective and evidence-based diversion programs, racial justice, and victim services. Working in a major metropolitan area's prosecutor's office including 20 attorneys and 20 support staff, offers an attorney a broad spectrum of experience and provides ample opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and comradery. The crimes prosecuted range from DUI to aggravated assaults, complex fraud investigations, rapes, and murders. The Office is responsible for both adult and juvenile prosecutions. 

This announcement is for Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III, and the main duties for all positions include:

• Preparing for and prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases;
• Identifying appropriate cases for diversion programs and specialty courts;
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with multiple law enforcement agencies, the community and non-profits by attending community events and participating in Community Advisory Board;
• Serving as liaison between Office and law enforcement and system partners by providing support role to law enforcement in the investigation of crimes;
• Preparing and providing discovery and other documents;
• Reviewing and redacting body worn camera footage;
• Preparing and arguing bond motions;
• Researching, preparing, and litigating various pre-trial motions; 
• Conducting preliminary hearings; 
• Negotiating case dispositions;
• Conducting both bench and jury trials; and 
• Providing victim support and coordinating with the victim witness team. 
• Participating in development of intern programs; and
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties listed above the specific duties for an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II include:

• Participating in training programs for less experienced attorneys;
• Assisting in training of law enforcement on legal issues; and
• Preparing legislative updates for Office and law enforcement agencies.

The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III is a senior level trial lawyer responsible for independently prosecuting complex, serious, and/or sensitive criminal cases, and their duties include:
 

• Determining the method of prosecution, including potential case negotiations, plea agreements, and sentencing requests;
• Preparing for court by researching legal issues, reviewing facts, studying scientific reports, and interviewing witnesses;
• Preparing related papers including appellate briefs;
• Maintaining contact with the public and with those involved in the case; and
• Performing training and mentoring duties.

Selection Criteria

Minimum for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III: 

• Completion of the requirements for graduation with a JD in law from an accredited college or university, and membership in the Virginia State Bar or eligible for waiver into the Virginia State Bar; and
• One to three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience, including legal research and writing. Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful.

Additional requirements for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II:

• Three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience including trial, legal research, and clerk experience. Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful; and
• Extensive knowledge of Virginia law, including knowledge needed for and membership in the Virginia State Bar.

Additional requirements for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III:

• Three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience including trial experience with complex felony cases, legal research and legal writing; and
• Extensive knowledge of Virginia law, including knowledge needed for and membership in the Virginia State Bar.

The ideal candidate for Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III must have the following;

• Reading comprehension to read complex legal materials;
• Writing skills to compose and edit reports, proposals, procedures, policies, recommendations;