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Job Description
Login or Register Home Daily Jobs Post A Job Employers Create A Company Post A Free Job Post A Featured Job Search Resumes Job Seekers Dashboard Create A Resume Pricing Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II A Government Entity 1 hour ago Portsmouth, VA 2 Years Full Time 5106491 77,976 - 87,512 / Yearly Not Specified Share on Apply now
Closing Date:
17th July, 2026
Description:
Job Duties:
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I/II which will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce this opportunity to be on the front lines of what many consider to be the modern-day Civil Rights Movement-criminal justice and justice reform. This is a unique platform to develop and pursue social change and impact the lives of clients in a fast paced court-room environment. The IDC's Portsmouth Public Defender Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I/II reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Portsmouth office and is employed at-will. This position includes a local salary supplement. The Assistant Public Defender must have compassion for our indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to spot and anticipate legal issues, the ability to write, edit and review motions and briefs, and the ability to make sound legal arguments in a courtroom setting. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively. If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at recruiting@vadefenders.org.
Duties:
Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions, litigating motions, and noticing appropriate appealable issues. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties. 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 for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. 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 try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney. The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback. The ability to track and meet deadlines. The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and remain organized. A valid driver's license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required. Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required. To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must have at least two (2) years of experience in criminal defense (including serious felony and jury trial experience) along with the above-mentioned qualifications.
Additional Considerations:
Prior experience in public defense will be strongly considered. Individuals hired before obtaining their Virginia Bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and 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 and resume. Failure to submit both 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.
