Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I​/II - Southwest Virginia Offices

Attorney - Assistant Public Defender I/II - Southwest Virginia Offices

Legal Services Officer II
Virginia Defenders – Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking to fill numerous Assistant Public Defender positions that will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high‑quality legal advocacy.

This is a regional job posting. Multiple locations will be hiring for Assistant Public Defenders I/II. The following Public Defender offices have open positions:
Pulaski, Martinsville, Bedford, and Danville.

IDC’s Southwest Virginia region of Public Defender Offices has openings for attorneys who are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients. The attorney will handle criminal cases for adults and juveniles in various stages of litigation. The IDC is dedicated to protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high‑quality legal advocacy. The Assistant Public Defender reports to the Chief Public Defender of their 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.

Duties include conducting client and witness interviews, working with staff investigators to investigate cases, filing pretrial 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.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Virginia State Bar are required for consideration for this full‑time, salaried position. However, candidates who are registered to take the February 2026 or July 2026 administration of the Virginia Bar Exam, or who intend to waive into licensure in Virginia, may also be considered.
• 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 be licensed and have some experience in criminal defense along with the above‑mentioned qualifications.

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.

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…