Employment

Prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases in all courts with other duties as assigned by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

The Office of the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney is looking for experienced prosecutors to join one of the largest and busiest prosecutors’ offices in the state.  The ideal applicants are established criminal prosecutors with 4 to 7 years of public service, skilled in handling violent felony charges with complex facts and multiple co-defendants at all stages of prosecution, and served as lead prosecutor in a minimum of 5 jury trials.

                               The person(s) selected for the position(s) will be expected to be thorough and well-organized to maintain a high volume docket of murder, rape, and robbery cases and to carry out the associated legal research.  Employee(s) must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment with casework in accordance with legal policies, procedures, and ethics.  Employee(s) will communicate with colleagues of all levels in a professional manner which includes providing legal education to various parties.  Employee(s) must demonstrate patience, courtesy, and discretion during frequent contact with crime victims and witnesses and members of the general public.

Requires approximately 8 – 11 days per month. Responsibilities include the prosecution of traffic, misdemeanor criminal cases, and some felony preliminary hearings, in the General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. As well as, certain misdemeanor appeals in Circuit Court.

Performs professional and legal work of the Office of the
                                    Commonwealth’s Attorney.  Work involves prosecuting persons suspected
                                    of violating state and local laws on behalf of the Commonwealth of
                                    Virginia.  The Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes criminal
                                    cases in all county courts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsibilities:         1.  Acts on behalf of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in his absence.
                                    2.  Supervises case preparation and trial work of other attorneys and reports to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
                                    3.  Prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in
                                         Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, General District Court,
                                         and Circuit Court.
                                    4.  Screens cases for prosecution.
                                    5.  Performs legal research.
                                    6.  Locates and interviews trial witnesses.
                                    7.  Prepares motions, orders, and other documents related to a case.
                                    8.  Investigates terms and conditions of bonds.
                                    9.  Prepares legal briefs and petitions to the Court of Appeals and Supreme
                                         Court.
                                    10.  Keeps abreast of appellate court opinions and understands their
                                           application to cases.
                                    11.  Maintains current knowledge of trends, legal issues and rulings, court
                                           opinions, legal procedures, and new state and local laws.
                                    12.  Provides services to the community outside of business hours, such as
                                           educational trainings for law enforcement, students, and civic groups.
                                    13.  Performs other tasks related to employment as required by the
                                           Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Specifications:                       

1.  Minimum of 5 years of experience. 
2.  Prior prosecution experience preferred.
3.  Previous jury trial experience preferred.
4.  Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia criminal and traffic laws, Virginia criminal procedures, and Virginia and United States constitutional issues.
5.  Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research and to prepare legal briefs to trial and appellate courts.

6.  Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement, expert witnesses, lay witnesses, and victims.

7.  Ability to prepare and present complex cases before a trial court in a short period of time. 

8.  Ability to establish and maintain constructive, effective, and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers, and the public.
                                   

9.  Ability to present ideas and provide counsel effectively in writing and orally to professionals and lay persons.

10.  Ability to manage a large caseload.
                                   

11.  Strong writing and oral presentation skills a must.