Criminal Law - Prosecution Attorney in Richmond, VA

Government

Richmond, VA

Criminal Law - Prosecution Attorney in Richmond, VA

Attorney

Max 15 yrs required

No

Job Title: Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanors and felonies in Circuit and District Courts. This involves conducting legal research, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with defense counsel, preparing jury instructions, and presenting cases at trial. Additionally, attorneys are required to prepare legal briefs and memoranda of law, establish effective relationships with office personnel, judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and the public. They must also maintain accurate files, document significant actions, and provide sufficient justification to support recommendations. Attorneys will prepare briefs in opposition to petitions for appeals to the Court of Appeals. Individual assignments will be based on current workload and department needs.

Education and Experience Information:
The position can be filled at various levels depending on the applicant's experience and qualifications:

- Law Fellow: Requires a Virginia State Bar third-year practice certificate and the expectation to sit for the Virginia Bar Exam close to their graduation date from law school. Must pass the Virginia Bar Exam within the prescribed timeframe.

- Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: Requires active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, a license to practice law in Virginia, and admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Preference for prior experience in criminal law.

- Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: Requires the same qualifications as the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney with two years of experience as a criminal prosecutor or one year of experience as a criminal prosecutor and two additional years in general law practice. Preferences include prior criminal law and prosecution experience, at least five jury trials, and experience with digital evidence.

- Associate Commonwealth's Attorney: Requires the same qualifications as the Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney with five years of experience as a criminal prosecutor or four years as a criminal prosecutor and two additional years in general law practice. Preferences include prior criminal law and prosecution experience, at least twenty jury trials, and experience with digital evidence.

- Senior Attorney: Requires the same qualifications as the Associate Commonwealth's Attorney with fifteen years of experience as an attorney and at least ten years in criminal prosecution. Preferences include prior criminal law and prosecution experience, at least twenty jury trials, and experience with digital evidence.

Salary Information:
The salary varies based on the position and qualifications:

- Law Fellow: $70, - $109,
- Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: $77, - $120,
- Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: $85, - $133,
- Associate Commonwealth's Attorney: $94, - $146,
- Senior Attorney: $104, – $161,

The starting salary depends on the applicant's qualifications.

Additional Information:
This position is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The organization offers various incentives and benefits such as flexible work options, flexible hours, generous paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, life insurance, robust retirement benefits, public service student loan forgiveness programs, tuition reimbursement, performance bonuses, and a collaborative work environment.

Applicants must be active members in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and eligible to practice law in Virginia. Contingent offers may be made to those intending to waive in for licensure or those previously licensed in Virginia and completing required CLE hours for reinstatement. All employees may work hours beyond their normal schedule for short-term department needs or city-wide emergencies.

Attachments required for application include a resume and cover letter. All full-time employees must contribute 5% of their annual salary towards their retirement account in accordance with VRS retirement provisions, handled through pre-tax payroll deduction. The organization maintains a drug-free workplace.