Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

A Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney acts as a minister of justice while prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the citizens of Roanoke County.  The primary responsibility of a Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney is to seek justice through the pursuit of truth. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that the guilty are held accountable, that the innocent are protected from unwarranted harm, and that the rights of all participants, particularly victims of crime, are respected.  

~ Diligently and ethically prosecute felony and misdemeanor offenses before the Roanoke County Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
~ Provide advice and assistance to law enforcement during the investigation of criminal offenses, including preparation of search warrants and subpoena duces tecum.
~ Prudently exercise prosecutorial discretion regarding the initiation, maintenance and disposition of criminal charges, including but not limited to, assessing the strength of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the probability of obtaining a conviction and the impact of the crime on the victim and community.
~ Represent the Commonwealth in all pretrial proceedings, including drafting motions, briefs and making oral arguments
~ Prepares cases for trial by reviewing case reports, preparing indictments, identifying the relevant facts, meeting with witnesses, reviewing relevant statutes and case law, anticipating possible defenses, and preparing opening and closing statements. Case preparation includes conferring with supervisor when necessary, and following office procedures.
~ Represent the Commonwealth at trial by delivering opening and closing statements, performing direct and cross-examinations, making and responding to objections, and presenting evidence and arguments at trial and sentencing hearing. Coordinate with Victim-Witness advocates regarding victim testimony or impact statements at sentencing. 
~ Maintains knowledge of current case law and rules of evidence by researching relevant topics and attending legal training. Must comply with Virginia State Bar's CLE requirements.
~ Represent the Commonwealth in appellate proceedings when necessary
~ Represent the Commonwealth in civil proceedings as required by the Code of Virginia
~ Ensure that the rights of victims of crime, as enshrined in the Constitution of Virginia, are protected. This includes the right of victims to be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness at all stages of the criminal justice process.

Education 
Required: Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. JD degree from from an accredited law school.

Experience
Required: Three to five years in the practice of law

Certifications/ Licenses
Required:  Eligible to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must be an active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Commitment to seeking justice on behalf of victims of crime and the citizens of Roanoke County. Perform all job functions in a conscientious and diligent manner. Thorough knowledge of Virginia ethics rules, criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence. 
Thorough knowledge of federal case law that is relevant to criminal prosecution especially 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments. 
Knowledge of Roanoke County ordinances. 
Ability to conduct legal research. 
Ability to present persuasive and complex legal and factual arguments to judges and juries. 
Ability to manage a significant caseload and work efficiently. 
Excellent writing and oral communication skills. 
Excellent time management skills, especially meeting filing deadlines for notices, motions and briefs. 
Ability to organize records, documents and reports. 
Ability to write motions, briefs and memoranda. 
Ability to handle challenging and stressful situations professionally.  
Ability to maintain positive working relationships with law enforcement and other government departments and agencies. 
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers. 
 
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Additional Requirements:
Subject to a complete criminal history and Child Protective Services background search with acceptable results.  May be subject to DMV driving record review as required by amount of work related driving, specified by support responsibilities. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.