Website Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Public Defender I at the Office of the Public Defender for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. The VIDC is committed to providing high-quality legal representation to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses and advocating zealously on behalf of indigent clients both in trial and appellate courts. The Assistant Public Defender I position reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Arlington Office and is employed at-will. In addition to the listed salary, there is a 25.5% local salary supplement, although this 25.5% supplement is discretionary, subject to annual approval by Arlington County, and earnings from the supplement do not impact retirement benefits.
Duties: Duties include representing clients at trial in the General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts, and on appeal in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia; conducting client and witness interviews; preparing and litigating pre- and post-trial motions; working with fact investigators to develop defense evidence; working with mitigation specialists to identify mitigation themes, prepare reentry plans, and draft sentencing memoranda; collaborating with behavioral health professionals to secure alternatives to incarceration; and engaging with the local bar and other community stakeholders in the interest of system-change advocacy and making our criminal courts more fair and just.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
A qualified applicant must demonstrate a deep belief in zealous, client-centered advocacy and a passion for working on behalf of indigent defendants. Additionally, the applicant must value working closely with like-minded individuals in a team environment. It is important that the applicant be comfortable with public speaking and have the potential to argue persuasively before judges and juries. The applicant should possess effective legal research and writing skills, and the capacity to think creatively about legal issues. Comfort working with disadvantaged persons—including mentally ill individuals and those lacking basic resources—as well as those charged with serious felony crimes is essential. The qualified applicant must have a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, social justice, and/or public service.
The qualified candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment with frequently changing tasks and time demands. The candidate must be open to supervision and training in the interest of professional growth and the development of advocacy skills. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and the court.
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 February 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. Current 3L law students intending to register for the July 2026 Virginia bar exam may be considered.
Additional Considerations
The ideal candidate has a background in public service and may have experience working directly with underprivileged people. Prior experience with indigent defense—professional, post-graduate, or clinical—and VIDC certification will be strongly considered. Spanish fluency will be strongly considered. Prior experience defending criminal cases will be strongly considered. Lived experiences with indigency, oppression, disenfranchisement, and over-policing 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 $71,674.00. Upon passing the Virginia Bar and becoming licensed you will receive the title and salary of an Assistant Public Defender I.
To apply for this job please visit www.jobs.virginia.gov.
