Assistant Commonwealth Attorney I, II, and III

About the role

The Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office seeks prosecutors dedicated to the principles of public safety, equity, honesty, and fairness. Norfolk is a busy jurisdiction of 50 prosecutors and 45 staff, with ample opportunity for gaining experience early and for working on interesting and advanced cases. The office prosecutes all felony and all jailable misdemeanor cases.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for trial by reviewing case reports, identifying the relevant facts of the case, contacting necessary witnesses for interviews, reviewing relevant state law and anticipating possible defenses.
• Case preparation includes conferring with supervisor when necessary, and following office procedures including the "Plea Agreement Policy."
• Establishes rapport with victims and witnesses by explaining the process of testifying, reviewing possible questions, informing them about court procedures, and advising them about changes in the case prosecution and court dates.
• Congrates with Victim- Witness Advocates when necessary for travel arrangements or matters regarding witness safety and confidentiality.
• Responds to discovery requests by preparing written responses for defense attorneys which include defendant's statements and a record of defendant's prior convictions.
• Complies with the ongoing discovery obligations during a case in accordance with the Virginia Code and the Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court, as well as compliance with state and federal constitutional requirements.
• Evaluates whether a plea offer should be tendered. Negotiates plea agreements with opposing counsel, calculates sentencing guidelines, drafts plea agreements, make bond arrangements when necessary, and perform other tasks to resolve the case.
• Familiarity with "alternative" and/or "community courts" is required.
• Conducts preliminary hearings in General District Courts and Juvenile Courts, and certain misdemeanor trials in both courts. In Juvenile Court conducts transfer and certification hearings.
• Complies with office policies regarding file documentation after District Court, preparation of documents for Grand Jury, and scheduling of cases for trial in Circuit Court.
• Presents cases in Circuit Court by preparing opening and closing statements, performing direct and cross-examinations, making and responding to objections, explaining complex legal concepts and presenting evidence and arguments at trial and at sentencing.
• Coordinates with Victim-Witness advocates regarding victim testimony or impact statements at sentencing. Also handles pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Manages caseloads by keeping files updated, documenting additional facts and evidence after hearings, ensuring all changes are made properly.
• Complies with office policy regarding the conclusion of cases and closing files.
• Maintains knowledge of current case law and rules of evidence by researching pertinent topics, reviewing other Attorney's briefs, reading the Rules of Virginia Evidence book and attending training sessions.
• Must comply with Virginia State Bar's CLE requirements.
• Manages appeals from lower courts by filling out any necessary paperwork, scheduling court dates and completing all necessary steps in accordance with the law. Prepares Briefs in Opposition as required when cases are appealed to Court of Appeals and/or Supreme Court. Complies with all filing deadlines.
• Engages in community and/or civic events which support the mission of the office when able to do so.

Qualifications

• A Virginia law license in good standing at the commencement of work.
• Applicants awaiting bar results are welcome to apply, but all offers to such applicants are contingent on successful passage of and admission to the Bar.
• Prior experience as a public defender, criminal-defense lawyer, public interest lawyer, innocence lawyer, probation officer, police officer, or federal/state judicial law clerk preferred but not required.
• Prior experience with Prosecutor by Karpel, evidence.com, or other case management or digital-evidence management systems a plus.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of federal and Virginia case law relating to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
• Experience in the briefing and argument of pretrial and post-trial motions, including motions to suppress and motions in limine.

Benefits

• Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.

Pay

• Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III: $113,406.11
• Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II: $99,537.37
• Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I: $89,554.60

Schedule

• Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.