Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II
Commonwealth Attorney
Full-Time, 12 Months
Exempt, Paygrade 38
Benefits Eligible, VRS Eligible

Job Summary / Objective:

The Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office expects all employees to demonstrate the highest integrity in the performance of their responsibilities. The office has a longstanding commitment to meaningful reform in the criminal justice system, a commitment that has been reinforced by the voters of Albemarle County. We believe that a fair criminal adjudicative process enhances public safety. We strive towards a more perfect justice system by centering the voices of victims, treating the accused with dignity, and working to undo the harmful policies of the past. We are constantly seeking new ideas on how to approach prosecution, and as such we have traditionally hired former defense attorneys as members of our team (but are open to candidates without that experience). If you have prior defense experience or would simply be excited to see change “from within” the system, then we would be interested in hearing from you.

Candidates must have the judgment and experience necessary to properly evaluate a case and decide whether it is provable beyond a reasonable doubt. As circumstances and evidence may change, the ideal prosecutor also has the ability to adapt and be open-minded about a case’s strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to this baseline ability in “sizing up a case,” a prosecutor in our office will have to be creative in putting together plea agreements that not only take accountability into consideration but also include measures that can help a person avoid reoffending in the future. As a reform focused office, we still seek the incarceration of individuals that pose a danger to our community. When defendants present a serious threat to public safety, the candidate must be an effective trial lawyer and seek punishment to the fullest extent. In essence, the ideal candidate has the compassion and judgment to seek rehabilitation and creative solutions when appropriate, but also the skills and savvy to succeed in the courtroom when a more conventional prosecution style is necessary.

In our office we have a collaborative environment, and we are often seeking each other out for advice on “the right thing to do.” The ideal candidate is not only open to constructive conversations with peers but invites them. We’re seeking an independent, intelligent, kind, justice-minded, social teammate. We are looking forward to adding a member to our office who is just as excited about reform focused prosecution as we are, and is willing to see it as a team effort.

All County staff must maintain Virginia residency throughout the duration of their employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prosecute misdemeanor cases before the General District Court
• Prosecute misdemeanor cases before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• Prosecute felony preliminary hearings before the General District Court
• Prosecute felony preliminary hearings before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• Prosecute felony bench and jury trials and misdemeanor appeals before the Circuit Court
• Prosecute murder cases before the Circuit Court
• Write briefs and Memoranda on Motions Filed in the Circuit Court
• Argue Suppression Motions and other Motions before the Circuit and General District Courts
• Advise law enforcement on all legal matters involving the investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct
• Develop and conduct formal training on Virginia laws and the United States Constitution for law enforcement
• Advise and work with governmental agencies and the public in coordinated efforts to ensure and enhance crime prevention and public safety
• Make relevant presentations to community groups on law enforcement
• Performs related work as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia criminal and traffic laws, Virginia criminal procedures, Virginia and Federal constitutional issues, as well as local rules of court and trial practice. Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research, and to prepare legal briefs for trial and appellate courts. Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, lay witnesses, and victim witnesses. Ability to prepare and present complex cases before a trial court in a short period of time. Comprehensive working knowledge of efficient office procedures, and the ability to establish and maintain constructive, effective, and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers, and the public. Ability to present ideas and provide counsel effectively in writing and orally to professionals and lay persons. Ability to manage a large caseload. Knowledge of computerized word processing, email communications, and electronic case management system. Skilled at time management and able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines. Knowledge of legal ethics in general and awareness of specific ethical rules applicable to prosecutors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications/Certifications:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and admitted to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court.
• A minimum of three years of experience as a Virginia attorney handling primarily criminal matters.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS / REQUIREMENTS

Work is typically performed in an office or courtroom setting. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. Occasional requirement to visit a major crime scene. Daily contact is made with judges of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, the general public in person, by telephone and by written communications. Considerable skill in diplomacy, tact and persuasion is necessary.

THE SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this position is $109,109 - $120,595 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum, experience, and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy,  §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Wednesday, July 31, 2026.

Desired Position Start Date: August 10, 2026

EOE/EEO

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability in regard to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.