Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney

Come join us and lead a team of Prosecutors in the mission of serving the citizens of Hampton! 

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney provides overall supervision to a team of attorneys. Prosecutes selected difficult and complex criminal cases and completes related work as required. Assists in the development and implementation of policies set by the Commonwealth's Attorney. Acts on behalf of the Commonwealth's Attorney in his absence. 

• Direct supervision of a team of attorneys; indirect supervision of all professional, technical, and support staff assigned to that team. 
• Ensuring consistent management of all cases in accordance with policies set by the Commonwealth's Attorney. 
• Preparation and prosecution of difficult and complex multi-defendant violent felonies, including capital murder cases, including research, witness interviews, negotiations with defense counsel, and preparation of jury instructions. 
• Handling regular and investigative Grand Juries as assigned.
• Ensuring that performance standards applicable to all staff positions are met. 
• Acting as a liaison with other City, State, and Federal agencies and officials relating to the Commonwealth's Attorney's office operations. 
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with other judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and the public at large. 
• Maintenance of accurate files, appropriately documenting in writing all actions, and providing sufficient justification to support recommendations on all issues.
• Handling inquiries and concerns from the public. 
• Monitoring appellate briefs prepared by the attorney staff. •Interviewing and evaluating prospective attorney candidates. 

• 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. Requires the completion of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor course or its equivalent. 
• Requires six (6) years of experience as a criminal prosecutor OR 4 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor AND 4 years of experience in the general practice of law. 
• Prior supervisory experience is preferred. 
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a satisfactory driver’s record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria. 
  
• Must have the ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle a substantial caseload of considerable volume, including major cases involving a high degree of seriousness and complexity. 
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with a broad range of individuals and resolve problems promptly and diplomatically. In addition, requires the ability to present serious and complex cases in court and the ability to speak extemporaneously and persuasively. 
• Any person offered employment in this position must successfully complete a criminal background check. 
• An acceptable combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria outlined above. 

• Performs duties under the supervision of the Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney. 
• Requires extensive contact with the general 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.