Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Job Posting End Date:

Department:

COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY

Compensation Grade:

A17

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $82,848 - $172,473
Offered position and salary will be based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

Yes

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

This position will be filled as a Law Fellow, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Associate Commonwealth's Attorney, or Senior Commonwealth's Attorney.

Offered position and salary will be based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. See the additional job description for minimum requirements for each position.

Pay Ranges:
Law Fellow: $82,848
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: $91,336 - $128,710
Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: $100,694 - $141,897
Associate Commonwealth's Attorney: $111,036 - $156,436
Senior Commonwealth's Attorney: $122,408 - $172,473

About Us:

The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is dedicated to pursuing justice, protecting our community, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Located in one of the nation's safest cities of its size, our office takes pride in its commitment to public safety, ethical prosecution, and strong partnerships with law enforcement and community stakeholders.

We offer attorneys a rewarding and dynamic career with opportunities to gain valuable courtroom experience, sharpen litigation skills, and handle challenging and diverse cases. Whether you are beginning your legal career or bringing years of experience, our office fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages professional development, teamwork, and career growth.

Beyond the courtroom, Virginia Beach offers an exceptional quality of life, combining coastal living, vibrant communities, and year-round recreational opportunities. It's more than a great place to practice law — it's a great place to call home.

Why Work with Us?

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office offers a unique opportunity to serve your community while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. With competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, this is a great place to grow professionally and personally.

At the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, balanced, and rewarding work environment for our employees. As part of our commitment to your success and well-being, we offer a wide range of incentives and benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Incentives and Benefits:

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Accrue 96 hours of vacation and 96 hours of sick leave in the first year
• Two flex days annually
• Up to 20 hours of paid volunteer leave each year
• 16 full‑day holidays and two half‑day holidays

Retirement & Financial Security

• Enrollment in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with a monthly pension
• Defined Benefit Plan with a 2.5% employer match
• Eligibility for Student Loan Debt Relief

Health & Wellness

• Choice of two medical plans, plus dental coverage
• Access to HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care Reimbursement accounts
• Earn up to $500 annually through the Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program and Office Peer Support Program
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Life Insurance Coverage
• 12 weeks of paid maternity/parental leave after one year
• Office Peer Support Program

Professional Growth & Development

• Local, state, and national training opportunities

Flexibility & Support

• Telework options and Flexible Schedule depending on role and operational needs

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

This posting may be filled as a Law Fellow, an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, a Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, an Associate Commonwealth's Attorney, or Senior Attorney depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected applicant. 

The associated minimum requirements and pay grades are as follows: 

Law Fellow (A.15 $82,848)

Minimum Qualifications: Must have, and maintain, the Virginia State Bar third-year practice certificate and is expected to sit for the Virginia Bar Exam during the period closet to their graduation date from Law School. Must successfully pass the Virginia Bar Exam within the prescribed timeframe.

Special Requirements: Must successfully pass the Virginia Bar Exam.  Failure to successfully complete the Virginia Bar Exam within the established timeframe from date of hire will be grounds for employment termination.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney (A.17   $91,336 - $128,710)

Minimum Requirements: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law.

Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney (A.19   $100,694 - $141,897)

Minimum Requirements: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Two (2) years experience as a criminal prosecutor, or one (1) year of experience as a criminal prosecutor and two (2) additional years experience in the general practice of law. 

Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law.  Prior prosecution experience.  Prior jury experience of at least five jury trials.  Prior experience with body worn camera and/or other digital evidence.  Completed post law school Trial Advocacy Course.

Associate Commonwealth's Attorney (A.21   $111,036 - $156,436)

Minimum Requirements: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; eligibility to practice law in the State of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia; and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Federal District Court. Five (5) years experience as a criminal prosecutor, or four (4) years of experience as a criminal prosecutor and two (2) additional years experience in the general practice of law. 

Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law.  Prior prosecution experience.  Prior jury experience of at least twenty jury trials.  Prior experience with body worn camera and/or other digital evidence.  Completed post law school Trial Advocacy Course.

Senior Attorney (A.23    $122,408 - $172,473)

Minimum Requirements: Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar; eligibility to practice law in the State of Virginia; admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia; and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Federal District Court. Fifteen (15) years experience as an attorney with at least ten (10) years in criminal prosecution.

Preferences: Prior experience in criminal law.  Prior prosecution experience.  Prior jury experience of at least twenty jury trials.  Prior experience with body worn camera and/or other digital evidence.  Completed post law school Trial Advocacy Course.

Duties for all positions include but not limited to:

• Attorney will prosecute misdemeanors and felonies in Circuit and District Courts by conducting legal research, witness interviews, negotiating with defense counsel, preparing jury instructions, and presenting cases at trial. 
• Attorneys will prepare legal briefs and memoranda of law.
• Attorneys will establish effective relationships with office personnel, judicial agencies, victims and witnesses, law enforcement officers and the public.
• Attorneys will maintain accurate files, documenting in writing major or significant actions, and provide sufficient justification to support recommendations. 
• Attorneys will prepare briefs in opposition to petitions for appeals to the Court of Appeals.
• Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on current workload and department needs.  

Please note that residency in the City of Virginia Beach is not a requirement.  This position is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.  The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  For additional information and to apply for this position please visit virginiabeach.gov. 

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Once the appropriate applicant pool has been established, it will be closed.

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: Yes

• CDL: No

• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No

• CPS Check: No

• Physical: No

• Respirator: No

• Psychological Screening: No

• Polygraph: No

• At Will: Yes

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, and eligibility to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, are required for this position. However, contingent offers may be made to those who are registered to take the next scheduled Virginia Bar Exam (February or July) and pass the Exam, or those who intend to waive in for licensure in Virginia, or those who were previously licensed in the Commonwealth and are scheduled to complete the required CLE hours for license reinstatement. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Skills:

Criminal Prosecutions, Law, Legal Pleadings, Legal Procedures, Legal Research, Legal Terminology, Legal Writing, Prosecutions

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.