Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi seeks one Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. This position is required to perform duties under the limited supervision of designated senior management. Requires extensive contact with the public, court officials, representatives of law enforcement and judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, as well as other public and private organizations. Requires continuing legal education. Requires extensive research and analysis requiring hours beyond the normal 40-hour work week. Requires some evening meetings. This is an exempt position.

Norfolk is a jurisdiction of 40 prosecutors and 45 staff, with a very busy caseload and significant violent crime.  The office prosecutes all felony cases and selected misdemeanors, including domestic-violence, stalking, intoxicated driving, and firearms offenses.  Prosecutors handle nearly all of their cases vertically.  The office believes in data-driven, evidence-based processes that promote accountability for violent crime and opportunities in other cases for rehabilitation, diversion, and restoration where possible.  The lawyers in the office must adhere to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Plea Philosophy, Policies, and Procedures.  Deputies serve as liaisons with the Norfolk Police Department and other law-enforcement agencies to share criminal intelligence and maximize the Office’s ability to address violent and problematic actors on an individualized basis.

The Office’s seven Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys are divided among the two precinct-prosecution teams and the Juvenile Court Team.  Senior Assistants serve as career trial lawyers, carrying heavy caseloads of serious and high-profile matters, including multiple homicide cases.  Senior Assistants should have first-chair experience in homicide jury trials and should be able to handle these cases with a minimal degree of day-to-day supervision.  Senior Assistants serve as role models and mentors for Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys and participate in training and professional development for newer lawyers.  Senior Assistants will also respond to selected homicide scenes and attend community events as necessary.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney will consider external and internal candidates for this position.  Should the Commonwealth’s Attorney promote an internal candidate, the Commonwealth’s Attorney will consider external candidates for a position as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney III.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Considerable experience in preparing cases for trial by reviewing case reports, identifying the relevant facts of the case, contacting necessary witnesses for interviews, reviewing relevant state law and anticipating possible defenses. Case preparation includes conferring with supervisor when necessary and following office procedures including the "Plea Agreement Policy."
• Establishes rapport with victims and witnesses by explaining the process of testifying, reviewing possible questions, informing them about court procedures, and advising them about changes in the case prosecution and court dates. Coordinates with Victim- Witness Advocates when necessary for travel arrangements. Complies with the Victim's Rights Act regarding witness communication, safety and confidentiality. Has considerable experience in handling uncooperative witnesses, co-defendant witnesses and other inmate witnesses.
• Competently and thoroughly responds to discovery requests by preparing written responses for defense attorneys which include defendant's statements and a record of defendant's prior convictions. Complies with the ongoing discovery obligations during a case in accordance with the Virginia Code and the Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court, as well as compliance with state and federal constitutional requirements.
• Competently uses Motions in Limine to address discovery and/or evidentiary issues before trial.
• Easily performs case evaluation and plea negotiations. Considerable experience in negotiating plea agreements with opposing counsel, calculating sentencing guidelines, drafting plea agreements, making bond arrangements when necessary, and performing other tasks to resolve the case. Coordinates with "alternative" and/or "community courts" as appropriate.
• Competently conducts preliminary hearings in General District Courts and Juvenile Courts, and certain misdemeanor trials in both courts. In Juvenile Court conducts transfer and certification hearings. Complies with office policies regarding file documentation after District Court, preparation of documents for Grand Jury, and scheduling of cases for trial in Circuit Court.
• Considerable experience in presenting cases in Circuit Court by preparing opening and closing statements, performing direct and cross-examinations, making and responding to objections, explaining complex legal concepts and presenting evidence and arguments at trial and at sentencing. Coordinates with Victim-Witness advocates regarding victim testimony or impact statements at sentencing. Also handles pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Handles more complex cases including multi-day juries.
• Is expected to work independently and with less supervision than Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys.
• May serve as a mentor for younger attorneys.
• Will serve as a "second chair" on juries with younger attorneys to assist them in training.
• May be called on to conduct training with local law enforcement or other professional witnesses such as child abuse counselors, SANE nurses, etc.  Is expected to become proficient with law and rules of evidence relevant to such training.
• Keeps supervisors and the office's communications director apprised of "high profile" or difficult cases.
• Efficiently manages caseloads by keeping files updated, documenting additional facts and evidence after hearings, ensuring all changes are made properly. Compliance with office and team policies regarding the conclusion of cases and closing files.  Should have established time-management procedures in place for his or her own case work and scheduling.
• Maintains knowledge of current case law and rules of evidence by researching pertinent topics, reviewing other Attorney's briefs, reading the Virginia Rules of Evidence and attending training sessions. Must comply with Virginia State Bar's CLE requirements.
• Assists with in-office training as required and prepares training materials for use by colleagues.
• Effectively manages appeals from lower courts by filling out any necessary paperwork, scheduling court dates and completing all necessary steps in accordance with the law. Prepares Briefs in Opposition as required when cases are appealed to Court of Appeals and/or Supreme Court. Complies with all filing deadlines.
• Always conducts his or herself in a professional manner. Complies with office confidentiality procedures.
• Engages in community and/or civic events which support Ability to manage a heavy caseload of serious matters.  

Required: 

• Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree and licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar.
• Minimum of eight years of prior prosecution experience, including substantial jury experience in the prosecution of homicides, complex white-collar crimes, or equivalent matters sufficient to allow for the first-chair prosecution of murder cases under minimal supervision.  
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position. Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Norfolk’s criteria.

Preferred: 

• Prior experience as a public defender, criminal-defense lawyer, public interest lawyer, innocence lawyer, probation officer, police officer, or federal/state judicial law clerk preferred but not required.  
• Prior experience with Prosecutor by Karpel, evidence.com, or other case management or digital-evidence management systems a plus.

Working Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Salary : $85,195 - $135,459