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, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current and previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Economic Interest Statement: The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. Additionally, the statement is to be filed annually by February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 60 days of employment and every two years thereafter.

Contact Information

Name: Tracey Kazelskis

Phone: 804-588-4000

Email: Tracey.Kazelskis@dfs.virginia.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.