Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Class Concept
Performs difficult professional work providing prosecutorial legal services in routine civil and criminal cases, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Essential Functions

• Prosecutes all crimes occurring within the City of Salem including traffic charges, misdemeanors, and felonies.
• Meets with witnesses, visits crime scenes, and coordinates with expert witnesses (Forensics, DNA, Drug Lab);performs case law research, jury research, trail preparation with witnesses, and handles post-conviction appeals.
• Advises City and State law enforcement officials regarding investigation and charging decisions.
• Coordinates with Police department as to various legal issues that may arise based on existing and new caselaw, such as search and seizure and probable cause.
• Assists in filing and handling of asset forfeiture suits in Circuit Court for disposition of money and property recovered as a result of criminal activity.
• Prepares various Orders relating to disposition of evidence and contraband.
• Handles bond hearings and related issues.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Requirements

Eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and possession of all other qualifications as prescribed by State Statute.Member of Virginia State Bar in good standing.

Education & Experience

Juris Doctor Degree and moderate experience as a practicing attorney, some of which shall have been in the practice of government and criminal law, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior trial experience in criminal law preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of law, particularly criminal law and procedure; comprehensive knowledge of the Code of Professional Responsibilities for Attorneys; thorough knowledge of legal research methodology; thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of local and State laws and court decisions; skill in trial tactics; ability to express complex ideas effectively in oral and written form; ability to speak extemporaneously and persuasively; ability to use tact and discretion; ability to analyze a variety of complex cases and make sound recommendations; ability to prepare cases for trial including interviewing witnesses; ability to prepare legal briefs and memoranda of law and perform case evaluation; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other judicial agencies and task forces, victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, court personnel, and the general public

Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and repetitive motions, frequently requires standing, sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires walking; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Salem, VA (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Salem, VA: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person