Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Appellate Cohort

State Role Title: Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $77,976.00 / $87,512.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 200

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill an Assistant Public Defender position that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. This position is within the appellate group of the IDC. This is a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and impact the lives of clients in the Virginia appellate courts. Attorneys will handle public defender cases for adults and juveniles for public defender offices, primarily on appeal to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and Supreme Court of Virginia. This position will report to the Chief Appellate Counsel and is employed at-will.

The salary for an Assistant Public Defender II is $87,512 plus state benefits. Assistant Public Defenders II may have the opportunity to primarily telework, commensurate with experience, or be expected to work from the Administrative Office in Richmond, Virginia. The salary for an Assistant Public Defender I is $77,976.00 plus state benefits.

Assistant Public Defenders I will work at the Administrative Office in Richmond, Virginia with limited telework opportunities. Duties for all positions include reviewing client trial court records, determining issues for appeal, filing high-quality pleadings in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court on behalf of the client, filing motions in all courts when appropriate, and presenting oral arguments in the appellate courts. The attorney is expected to advise and communicate with clients at all stages of the appeal and respond to client letters in a timely manner. Other duties as assigned to further support public defender offices may also be required. The attorney must comply with all IDC policies and procedures and rules of court.

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.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission is required. However, if you are registered to take the July 2026 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 litigate appeals and desire to improve as an appellate attorney.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong legal research skills.
• Knowledge of criminal law, evidence, and Virginia appellate procedure.
• The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback.
• The ability to track and meet deadlines.
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments and remain organized.

To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must be licensed and have experience in criminal defense and/or criminal appeals along with the above-mentioned qualifications.

For all positions, a valid driver’s license and the means to travel throughout the Commonwealth, including for oral arguments at the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, is required.

Additional Considerations

Individuals who are hired before obtaining their Virginia bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and will receive a starting salary of $65,158.00. 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, resume, and brief writing sample. Failure to submit 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: recruiting@vadefenders.org

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.