Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney - Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

The desired Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney will work with attorneys and staff within the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Team in preparing and in prosecuting a variety of misdemeanor and felony cases within the City of Lynchburg.

Applicants must include a resume with their application and be able to provide proof of active Virginia Bar Association Status.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Review case files to determine the witnesses necessary for all court hearings, assuring that all required witnesses are subpoenaed to appear;
• Conduct bond hearings for incarcerated defendants, making recommendations to the court regarding appropriate bond amounts and conditions necessary to ensure victim and community safety;
• Determine whether additional investigation is necessary and refer matters to the In-House Investigator and/or police department for further information and investigation;
• In conjunction with the Lynchburg Victim/Witness Program, meet with victims to gather information, perform risk/safety assessments, construct safety plans, assess the need for additional services and referrals, discuss the court process and discuss potential dispositions of the case;
• Conduct appropriate legal research for assigned cases and prepare memoranda of law when necessary;
• Provide program partners with periodic updates on the law regarding domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and protective orders;
• Make determinations regarding appropriate disposition of charges, including plea agreements, taking into consideration the severity of the offense, the vulnerability of the victim, the safety of the victim and his/her capacity to testify, the strength of the case, the relationship history between the parties, and the offender's prior court involvement;
• Track and review deferred dispositions of Assault & Battery of a Family/Household Member on a regular basis to ensure offender compliance;
• Notify the court and request revocation proceedings when an offender has violated the conditions of any deferred disposition;
• Perform any other responsibilities or special assignments as designated by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a law school of recognized standing with a J.D.  Eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia by ACTIVE membership in the Virginia State Bar. 

Desired candidate possesses the ability to:

• Communicate effectively and professionally with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, and lay witnesses
• Effectively address with sensitivity the needs of victims of crime
• Work proficiently in a collaborative, team environment
• Engage people of various social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Maintain a fast-paced workload/docket while keeping case files and workplace organized
• Prepare and present cases before a trial court in a short period of time
• Establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF POSITION
Due to the high caseload, the ACA must be organized, work efficiently, be flexible, and be able to think on his or her feet in busy and time-pressured situations.

Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. (View Criteria)

Prior to employment, must satisfactorily complete criminal background check.