Title: Motions Counsel
State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Supreme Court
Location: Court of Appeals
Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Court of Appeals of Virginia is accepting applications for the position of Motions Counsel in the Clerk's Office.
Motions Counsel will ensure the proper adjudication of procedural motions, substantive motions, and emergency motions that are filed with the Court. Additionally, Motions Counsel will be primarily responsible for ensuring that the Court complies with all matters related to the new criminal sealing and expungement statutes taking effect July 1, 2026. The responsibilities of the Motions Counsel also includes, but are not limited to: coordinating work flow and advising the Clerk’s Office Motions Team with the proper handling of motions; reviewing and transmitting substantive motions, procedural motions, and emergency motions to Chambers or the Chief Staff Attorney’s Office, as appropriate; drafting memoranda and orders for panels regarding the resolution of those motions; assisting the Chief Staff Attorney’s Office in jurisdictional screening of appeals; screening appeals to determine eligibility for expedited handling; providing legal analysis, advice, and assistance to the Chief Judge, Clerk of Court, and Chief Staff Attorney regarding operational matters; provide the Court, Clerk and Chief Staff Attorney advice and assistance with procedural matters; responding to inquiries from Court staff, counsel, and the public regarding motions practice and the Court of Appeals Rules; provide guidance to the Chief Judge, Clerk, and Chief Staff Attorney regarding the sealing of records in compliance with the new criminal sealing statutes; and performing other duties as assigned by the Clerk.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess (1) a Juris Doctor from an ABA-approved law school; (2) membership in good standing of the Virginia State Bar; and (3) at least five years of post-law school experience. Qualified applicants must also possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; superior analytical, organizational skills; and the ability and desire to interact with both Chambers and non-attorney Court staff daily. A judicial clerkship or prior experience working in a court is preferred.
Additional Considerations
State application, resume, and cover letter required. Applicants must apply online. No phone calls or e-mails regarding application status.
This position offers a competitive benefits package, which includes vacation and sick leave, paid state holidays, health insurance, retirement, life insurance, deferred compensation, and short- and long-term disability.
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.
Contact Information
Name: Daisy Duitsman
Phone: No calls
Email: humanresources@vacourts.gov
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.