Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill a Senior Appellate Attorney or Assistant Public Defender II position that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. 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 the Supreme Court of Virginia. This position will report to the Chief Appellate Counsel and is employed at-will.
The salary for Senior Appellate Attorney is $97,306.00 plus state benefits. Senior Appellate Attorneys are expected to primarily telework and may partially have a physical presence out of a nearby public defender office. The salary for an Assistant Public Defender II is $84,963.00 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.
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.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission is required.
A sincere commitment to the IDC mission and serving our clients.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Strong legal research skills.
Knowledge of criminal law.
The ability to accept 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 additionally possess:
Knowledge of appellate procedure.
At least two years of experience representing clients in appellate courts; clerking for an appellate jurist; or working as an attorney in a primary appellate environment (i.e. appellate staff attorney).
To qualify for the Senior Appellate Attorney position, the applicant must additionally possess:
Knowledge of appellate procedure.
At least two years of criminal defense practice plus at least another two years of experience representing clients in appellate courts; clerking for an appellate jurist; or working as an attorney in an appellate environment (i.e. appellate staff attorney).
The ability to provide constructive feedback to other attorneys, including on preservation of issues and consulting with public defenders on their appeals.
A willingness to create appellate resources and provide training.
For all positions, a valid driver’s license and the means to travel throughout the Commonwealth to public defender offices and for oral arguments at the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court is required.