Title: Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Harrisonburg/Rockingham County

State Role Title: Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $77,976.00 / $87,512.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: HARRISONBURG 330

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The IDC's Harrisonburg Public Defender Office has an opening for an attorney who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The Assistant Public Defender I/II reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Harrisonburg office and is employed at-will.

The Assistant Public Defender must have compassion for our indigent clients, excellent legal skills, the ability to spot and anticipate legal issues, the ability to write, edit and review motions and briefs, and the ability to make sound legal arguments in a courtroom setting. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

If you are interested in applying and joining our mission, please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying, please contact us at [redacted].

Duties:
Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial motions and post-trial motions, litigating motions, and noticing appropriate appealable issues. The attorney will be responsible for trying cases in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The attorney is expected to see clients in jail in a timely manner and communicate regularly with the client, family members, and other approved parties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar admission are required for consideration for this full-time, salaried position. However, if you are registered to take the July 2026 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, or if you intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, you may still be considered for the position.
• An active interest in the cause of indigent defense, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
• Willingness to try cases and desire to improve as a trial attorney.
• The ability to learn and quickly internalize feedback is important.
• The ability to track and meet deadlines.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments and remain organized.
• A valid driver's license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.
• Knowledge of criminal law and evidence is required.

To qualify for the Assistant Public Defender II position, the applicant must have at least two (2) years of experience in public defense along with the above-mentioned qualifications.

Additional Considerations

Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered.

Individuals who are hired before obtaining their Virginia bar licensure will be employed as Law Clerks and will receive a starting salary of $65,158.00. Upon, passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed you will receive the title and salary of an Assistant Public Defender I.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington



Email: [email protected]