Posted April 14, 2024
ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY
Arlington County
Arlington, VA
Full Time
Reference: ArlingtonCounty4376781
A career in prosecution is designed for attorneys dedicated to public service and who are committed to the ideals of public safety and justice. The Commonwealth's Attorney Office is committed to transformative justice in the promotion of effective and evidence-based diversion programs, racial justice, and victim services. Working in a major metropolitan area's prosecutor's office including 20 attorneys and 20 support staff, offers an attorney a broad spectrum of experience and provides ample opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and comradery. The crimes prosecuted range from DUI to aggravated assaults, complex fraud investigations, rapes, and murders. The Office is responsible for both adult and juvenile prosecutions.
This announcement is for Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III, and the main duties for both positions include:
In addition to the duties listed above the specific duties for an Assistant Commonwealths Attorney II include:
The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III is a senior level trial lawyer responsible for independently prosecuting complex, serious, and/or sensitive criminal cases, and their duties include:
Minimum for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III:
Additional requirements for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III:
The ideal candidate for Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III must have the following;
A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or willingness to use alternative modes of transportation. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. An offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
Work Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, flexible schedule with limited telework opportunities and flexibility for occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
This position is part of a broad band, competency-based pay system. Starting salary within the band is based on a review of qualifications and experience. The pay band encompasses entry through senior-level work. Pay potential will be based on performance and employee development.
Commonwealth's Attorney III (senior level): $117,000.00 - $178,672.00 Annually
Commonwealth's Attorney II (journey level): $101,420.80 - $154,835.20 Annually
Commonwealth's Attorney I (entry-level): $79,539.20 - $121,451.20 Annually
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THAT IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our agency. We encourage all to apply and make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
NOTE: This position is listed as open continuous. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received.
Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions.
#LI-Onsite
This announcement is for Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III, and the main duties for both positions include:
- Preparing for and prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases;
- Identifying appropriate cases for diversion programs and specialty courts;
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with multiple law enforcement agencies, the community and non-profits by attending community events and participating in Community Advisory Board;
- Serving as liaison between Office and law enforcement and system partners by providing support role to law enforcement in the investigation of crimes;
- Preparing and providing discovery and other documents;
- Reviewing and redacting body worn camera footage;
- Preparing and arguing bond motions;
- Researching, preparing, and litigating various pre-trial motions;
- Conducting preliminary hearings;
- Negotiating case dispositions;
- Conducting both bench and jury trials; and
- Providing victim support and coordinating with the victim witness team.
- Participating in development of intern programs; and
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
In addition to the duties listed above the specific duties for an Assistant Commonwealths Attorney II include:
- Participating in training programs for less experienced attorneys;
- Assisting in training of law enforcement on legal issues; and
- Preparing legislative updates for Office and law enforcement agencies.
The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III is a senior level trial lawyer responsible for independently prosecuting complex, serious, and/or sensitive criminal cases, and their duties include:
- Determining the method of prosecution, including potential case negotiations, plea agreements, and sentencing requests;
- Preparing for court by researching legal issues, reviewing facts, studying scientific reports, and interviewing witnesses;
- Preparing related papers including appellate briefs;
- Maintaining contact with the public and with those involved in the case; and
- Performing training and mentoring duties.
Minimum for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III:
- Completion of the requirements for graduation with a JD in law from an accredited college or university, and membership in the Virginia State Bar or eligible for waiver into the Virginia State Bar; and
- One to three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience, including legal research and writing. Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful.
- Three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience including trial, legal research, and clerk experience. Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful; and
- Extensive knowledge of Virginia law, including knowledge needed for and membership in the Virginia State Bar.
Additional requirements for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III:
- Three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience including trial experience with complex felony cases, legal research and legal writing; and
- Extensive knowledge of Virginia law, including knowledge needed for and membership in the Virginia State Bar.
The ideal candidate for Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I, II and III must have the following;
- Reading comprehension to read complex legal materials;
- Writing skills to compose and edit reports, proposals, procedures, policies, recommendations;
- Interpersonal skills to resolve complaints, maintain liaison, and speak in public;
- Problem solving skills to define problems and collect relevant information to prosecute cases successfully, including capacity to analyze and resolve complex issues; and
- Extensive knowledge of Virginia law, rules of evidence, court rules and procedure, and U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding criminal law and procedure.
A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or willingness to use alternative modes of transportation. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. An offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
Work Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, flexible schedule with limited telework opportunities and flexibility for occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
This position is part of a broad band, competency-based pay system. Starting salary within the band is based on a review of qualifications and experience. The pay band encompasses entry through senior-level work. Pay potential will be based on performance and employee development.
Commonwealth's Attorney III (senior level): $117,000.00 - $178,672.00 Annually
Commonwealth's Attorney II (journey level): $101,420.80 - $154,835.20 Annually
Commonwealth's Attorney I (entry-level): $79,539.20 - $121,451.20 Annually
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THAT IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our agency. We encourage all to apply and make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
NOTE: This position is listed as open continuous. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received.
Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions.
#LI-Onsite
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