
Deputy Public Defender - Chesterfield
Virginia, Virginia, MN, United States
Title:
Deputy Public Defender - Chesterfield State Role Title:
Legal Services Manager I Hiring Range:
$111,347.00 + State Benefits Agency:
Indigent Defense Commission Location:
CHESTERFIELD 326 Agency Website:
www.vadefenders.org Recruitment Type:
General Public - G Job Duties
Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce the opportunity to be on the front lines of the modern‑day Civil Rights Movement in criminal justice and reform. The IDC’s Chesterfield Public Defender Office seeks an experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorney to protect and defend clients’ rights and dignity through zealous, compassionate, high‑quality legal advocacy. The Deputy Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office and is employed at‑will. The Deputy Public Defender will conduct client and witness interviews, work with staff investigators to investigate cases, file pretrial motions, litigate motions, and try cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney will identify appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients and serve as a role model for client‑centered representation and a collaborative office culture. The position also includes assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys, serving as the acting Chief Public Defender in the Chief’s absence, overseeing defense teamwork with direction and guidance for case preparation, trial strategies, client contacts, plea negotiation, appellate practice, and sentencing advocacy. Additional duties involve working with the Chief Public Defender to ensure attorneys and staff receive appropriate training and continuing education, maintain certification for court appointments, comply with the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel, submit input and manage the office budget, and prepare and ensure all required administrative reports and documentation are submitted timely. The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce and staff. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Virginia State Bar admission, extensive criminal litigation experience, comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel. Well‑organized and effective oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in teamwork; experience working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful client outcomes. Demonstrated history and proficiency with leadership, management, and mentoring capabilities, and at least four years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. Experience mentoring new attorneys and providing training to attorneys and staff. Experience developing professional relationships with other attorneys across the state and nationally. Experience working with restorative justice programs. A valid driver’s license and means to travel to all courts and regional jails. Additional Considerations
Applicants familiar with the legal system and services in the Chesterfield communities and who have a demonstrated ability to work with other community stakeholders to advance services for clients will be strongly considered. Special Instructions
Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint‑based criminal background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the agency uses the E‑Verify system and does not provide sponsorship. Applications must be submitted electronically through the IDC website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. 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. 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. Applicants must provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) from the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to submit Veteran status questions and relevant disability documentation to DARS/DBVI to obtain their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found by calling DARS at 800‑552‑5019. Note:
Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022 and February 29, 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
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Deputy Public Defender - Chesterfield State Role Title:
Legal Services Manager I Hiring Range:
$111,347.00 + State Benefits Agency:
Indigent Defense Commission Location:
CHESTERFIELD 326 Agency Website:
www.vadefenders.org Recruitment Type:
General Public - G Job Duties
Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is excited to announce the opportunity to be on the front lines of the modern‑day Civil Rights Movement in criminal justice and reform. The IDC’s Chesterfield Public Defender Office seeks an experienced, dynamic criminal defense attorney to protect and defend clients’ rights and dignity through zealous, compassionate, high‑quality legal advocacy. The Deputy Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office and is employed at‑will. The Deputy Public Defender will conduct client and witness interviews, work with staff investigators to investigate cases, file pretrial motions, litigate motions, and try cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney will identify appropriate sentencing alternatives for clients and serve as a role model for client‑centered representation and a collaborative office culture. The position also includes assisting the Chief Public Defender in supervising and training attorneys, serving as the acting Chief Public Defender in the Chief’s absence, overseeing defense teamwork with direction and guidance for case preparation, trial strategies, client contacts, plea negotiation, appellate practice, and sentencing advocacy. Additional duties involve working with the Chief Public Defender to ensure attorneys and staff receive appropriate training and continuing education, maintain certification for court appointments, comply with the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel, submit input and manage the office budget, and prepare and ensure all required administrative reports and documentation are submitted timely. The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce and staff. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Virginia State Bar admission, extensive criminal litigation experience, comprehensive knowledge of Virginia Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and the Standards of Practice for Indigent Defense Counsel. Well‑organized and effective oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in teamwork; experience working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful client outcomes. Demonstrated history and proficiency with leadership, management, and mentoring capabilities, and at least four years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. Experience mentoring new attorneys and providing training to attorneys and staff. Experience developing professional relationships with other attorneys across the state and nationally. Experience working with restorative justice programs. A valid driver’s license and means to travel to all courts and regional jails. Additional Considerations
Applicants familiar with the legal system and services in the Chesterfield communities and who have a demonstrated ability to work with other community stakeholders to advance services for clients will be strongly considered. Special Instructions
Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint‑based criminal background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the agency uses the E‑Verify system and does not provide sponsorship. Applications must be submitted electronically through the IDC website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. 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. 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. Applicants must provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) from the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to submit Veteran status questions and relevant disability documentation to DARS/DBVI to obtain their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found by calling DARS at 800‑552‑5019. Note:
Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022 and February 29, 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr