Demo

Commonwealth Atty III

Arlington County, VA
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 2/7/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/7/2025

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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 all positions include:

  • Preparing for and prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases by providing discovery and other documents, researching, preparing, and litigating various pre-trial motions and conducting preliminary hearings;
  • 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;
  • Reviewing and redacting body worn camera footage;
  • Preparing and arguing bond motions;
  • Conducting both bench and jury trials and negotiation case dispositions;
  • Providing victim support and coordinating with the victim witness team;
  • Participating in development of intern programs and participating in training programs for less experienced attorneys and law enforcement partners;
  • Preparing legislative updates for Office and law enforcement agencies; and
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.


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;
  • Developing expertise in scientific issues;
  • Litigation of complex factual issues and novel legal issues;
  • Representing the Office as needed;
  • Working with management to improve functioning of Office and training programs;
  • Leading small attorney/ paralegal teams; and
  • Developing training programs.

Selection Criteria

Minimum for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney 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
  • Three years' experience in law enforcement or courtroom experience, including legal research and writing. Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful.
Additional requirements for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II:

  • 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' progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney 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.

Special Requirements

Please attach a resume to the on-line application and a cover letter (or provide your response in the supplemental question) that describes why you are interested in the position in Arlington. Be sure to detail your accomplishments in the areas outlined in the minimum and desirable qualifications to include: (a) your professional level experience as a practicing trial lawyer working in a courtroom setting or as a judicial clerk; (b) criminal trial prosecution experience; and/or (c) prosecuting complex, serious, and/or sensitive criminal misdemeanor and/or felony cases or other cases.

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.

Additional Information

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): $122,865.60 - $190,424.00 Annually
Commonwealth's Attorney II (journey level): $106,100.80 - $164,465.60 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

Salary : $106,101 - $164,466

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