Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney

Are you a seasoned legal professional looking to take the next step in your career while making a meaningful difference in your community? The City of Hampton is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney to join our leadership team. In this vital role, you will supervise a team of prosecutors, oversee complex criminal litigation, and act on behalf of the Commonwealth’s Attorney when necessary. This is a unique opportunity to guide legal strategy, mentor attorneys, and have a direct impact on justice in Hampton. If you're ready to lead with integrity, inspire others, and advance public safety, we welcome your application. Come join us and lead a team of Prosecutors in the mission of serving the citizens of Hampton! 

* This is an executive position and the associated salary is negotiable.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
• Must be an active member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice. Must be Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia

•  Must be eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. Candidates selecting this option must clearly indicate the basis for their eligibility and provide an anticipated timeline for obtaining admission.
• 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. 
• An acceptable combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria outlined above. 
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver'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.  
• 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.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

• Direct supervision of a team of attorneys; indirect supervision of all professional, technical, and support staff assigned to that team.
• Ensures consistent management of all cases in accordance with policies set by the Commonwealth's Attorney.
• Prepares and prosecutes difficult and complex multi-defendant violent felonies, including capital murder cases; including research, witness interviews, negotiations with defense counsel, and preparation of jury instructions.
• Handles regular and investigative Grand Juries as assigned.
• Ensures that performance standards applicable to all staff positions are met.
• Acts as a liaison with other City, State and Federal agencies and officials relating to the operations of the Commonwealth's Attorney's office.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with other judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers and the public at large.
• Maintains accurate files, appropriately documenting in writing all actions, providing sufficient justification to support recommendations on all issues.
• Handles inquiries and concerns from the public.
• Adheres to the Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys
• Monitors appellate briefs prepared by the attorney staff.
• Interviews and evaluates prospective attorney candidates.
• Demonstrates punctual and regular attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned.