Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II

Office of Commonwealth Attorney

Full-Time, 12-Months

Exempt, Paygrade 22

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

This position is employed by the Commonwealth Attorney.  This position is not employed by the Albemarle County Public Schools and Local Government.

The Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice and protecting the rights and safety of the citizens of Albemarle and its visitors.  As part of that mission, we work to enhance public safety and welfare through the vigorous enforcement of criminal laws in a fair, compassionate, ethical and just manner.  We believe that in order to accomplish this mission the office should maintain a pro-active role in our community by working to prevent crime in addition to its mandate to prosecute with integrity, equality and excellence.  It is in this way that we best serve the safety of our community and uphold our oath to protect and defend the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States.

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II – Job Summary

The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is actively recruiting an organized and motivated professional for its Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II position(s).  This position serves as prosecuting attorney for the Commonwealth of Virginia in all criminal matters pending before the Albemarle County General District Court, the Albemarle County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the Albemarle County Circuit Court, and on occasion act as special prosecutor in other jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

EXPECTATIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prosecute most misdemeanor cases before the General District Court
• Prosecute misdemeanor cases before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• Prosecute some 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
• Assist senior prosecutors in preparation and trial of 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
• Prepare Appellate Briefs for use by the Commonwealth in the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Virginia
• 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 to 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Graduation from an accredited law school or completion of all necessary requirements in legal education program after having read Virginia law. Must be an active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and hold a license in good standing from the Virginia Supreme Court. A minimum of one year of previous experience as prosecutor or a minimum of five years of experience as a practicing attorney.  Preferred experience to include significant experience in criminal defense and felony jury trials, experience as a prosecutor, local court experience, and fluency in Spanish. 

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Work is typically performed in an office or courtroom setting. Occasional requirement to visit major crime scene. Second-line contact with witnesses and defendants, who on occasion are rude, hostile and angry. Occasional exposure to evidence and human bodily fluids that may be contaminated. Considerable skill in tact and diplomacy is necessary. 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.