Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I

Salary: $77,976.00 - $85,774.00 Annually
Location : Commonwealth Attorney's Office 236 N King Street, Hampton, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08626
Department: COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
FLSA: Exempt

Are you a recent law school graduate or early-career attorney passionate about public service and the fair administration of justice? The City of Hampton is seeking a motivated and dedicated Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I to join our prosecution team. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable courtroom experience, develop litigation skills, and make a meaningful impact in the community you serve.
As an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, you will represent the Commonwealth in a variety of different settings which can include: General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Circuit Court. This role is responsible for juvenile and felony case prosecutions in all of the courts and the corresponding legal research, drafting and review of legal pleadings related to assigned cases.

If you're ready to take the next step in your legal career and advocate for fairness, accountability, and public safety, we encourage you to apply.
Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree (Candidates who are about to graduate will also be considered.)
• Must be an active member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice. Must be Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

OR

• Must be eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. Candidates selecting this option must clearly indicate the basis for their eligibility and provide an anticipated timeline for obtaining admission.
• Experience in criminal prosecution is preferred.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Must have the ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with a broad range of individuals; ability to resolve problems promptly and diplomatically.
• In addition, requires the ability to present cases in court and the ability to speak extemporaneously and persuasively.
• Performs duties under the supervision of designated senior management.
• Requires extensive contact with the general public, court officials, representatives of law enforcement and judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, as well as other public and private organizations.
• Requires continuing legal education.
• Requires extensive research and analysis requiring hours beyond the normal 40 hour work week.
• Requires some evening meetings.
• This is an exempt position.

Examples of Work

• Utilizes knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law to thoroughly and accurately prepare cases for trial.
• Prepares, researches, and prosecutes criminal cases involving misdemeanors and selected felonies for trial in all courts.
• Contacts victims, witnesses, police officers and other investigators to review cases and incidents in which they were involved.
• Exercises creativity and skillful negotiating tactics in resolving cases.
• Keeps supervisor apprised of status of assigned cases.
• Argues pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Prepares responses to discovery.
• Advocates for victims.
• Documents in writing all actions and provides sufficient justification to support disposition recommendations.
• Advises City and State law enforcement officials regarding investigation of law violations; consults with City and State officials on a wide variety of problems having legal implications; may compile and maintain statistics for the lower courts.
• Utilizes appropriate resources, meets deadlines, prepares and reviews files in an adequate and timely manner.
• Recognizes issues relating to specific cases, recognizes strengths and weaknesses of cases, and expresses complex legal and non-legal issues effectively both orally and in writing.
• Adheres to the Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys.
• Responds to inquiries in a timely manner exercising good customer service skills.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits Overview
This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts

• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
  • Maternity Leave
  • Parental Bonding Leave
  • Care for Sick Parent Leave
  • Birthday Leave
  • Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.
• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement(1-800-669-7400). For more information, visit
• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at 1-877-327-2872 or see

01

Have you graduated from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and authorized to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

• Yes, I am an active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• No, but I am eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. (If selected, please describe the basis for your eligibility and provide your anticipated timeline for admission below.)
• None of the above.

03

If you stated that you were eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar please explain your eligibility and provide your anticipated timeline for admission. ( If this does not apply please type in N/A)
04

Which of the options below best describes your legal experience as a practicing attorney?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-2 years of experience
• 3-4 years of experience
• 5 or more years of experience

05

Which option best describes your experience in criminal prosecution?

• No experience
• 1-2 years experience
• 3-4 years experience
• More than 5 years experience

06

I understand I must submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample with my on-line application in order to be considered for this position.

• Yes
• No

07

I understand this position requires considerable research and analysis, trial preparation and often requires hours beyond the normal workweek. It also requires some evening meetings.

• Yes
• No

08

I understand I must successfully complete a criminal background check if I am offered this position.

• Yes
• No

09

I understand this position is exempt.

• Yes
• No

10

This position may require that you possess a valid driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton criteria. Failure to provide your driver's license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your driver's license number by entering it below:
11

Are you authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Required Question