Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney #JR-00546

About the role

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office seeks candidates for various attorney positions, including Law Fellows, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys, Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys, Associate Commonwealth's Attorneys, and Senior Attorneys. Positions vary in pay grade and minimum requirements based on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanors and felonies in Circuit and District Courts
• Conduct legal research, witness interviews, negotiate with defense counsel, prepare jury instructions, and present cases at trial
• Prepare legal briefs and memoranda of law
• Maintain accurate files and document major or significant actions
• Prepare briefs in opposition to petitions for appeals to the Court of Appeals

Requirements

Active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, and eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, are required for this position. However, contingent offers may be made to those who are registered to take the next scheduled Virginia Bar Exam (February or July) and pass the Exam, or those who intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, or those who were previously licensed in the Commonwealth and are scheduled to complete the required CLE hours for license reinstatement.

Qualifications

Positions vary in pay grade and minimum requirements based on experience and qualifications. Specific requirements include:

• Law Fellow: Must have, and maintain, the Virginia State Bar third-year practice certificate and is expected to sit for the Virginia Bar Exam during the period closest to their graduation date from Law School. Must successfully pass the Virginia Bar Exam within the prescribed timeframe.
• Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law.
• Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Two (2) years experience as a criminal prosecutor, or one (1) year of experience as a criminal prosecutor and two (2) additional years experience in the general practice of law. Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law. Prior prosecution experience. Prior jury experience of at least five jury trials. Prior experience with body worn camera and/or other digital evidence. Completed post law school Trial Advocacy Course.
• Associate Commonwealth's Attorney: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; eligibility to practice law in the State of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia; and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Federal District Court. Five (5) years experience as a criminal prosecutor, or four (4) years of experience as a criminal prosecutor and two (2) additional years experience in the general practice of law. Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law. Prior prosecution experience. Prior jury experience of at least twenty jury trials. Prior experience with body worn camera and/or other digital evidence. Completed post law school Trial Advocacy Course.
• Senior Attorney: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; eligibility to practice law in the State of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia; and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Federal District Court. Fifteen (15) years experience as an attorney with at least ten (10) years in criminal prosecution. Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law. Prior prosecution experience. Prior jury experience of at least twenty jury trials. Prior experience with body worn camera and/or other digital evidence. Completed post law school Trial Advocacy Course.

Benefits

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office offers a variety of benefits including teleworking, generous paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, a peer support program, life insurance coverage, robust retirement benefits, and more. Additionally, the office supports professional growth through tuition reimbursement programs and encourages personal well-being with wellness initiatives.

Pay

Pay grades vary based on experience and qualifications, ranging from A.15 $75,316.80 for a Law Fellow to A.23 $111,280.00 - $172,473.60 for a Senior Attorney.

Schedule

At-will positions serving at the pleasure of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Why Work with Us?

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office offers a unique opportunity to serve your community while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. With competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, this is a great place to grow professionally and personally. Incentives and benefits include teleworking, paid time off, health benefits, a peer support program, life insurance coverage, retirement benefits, and more.