Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney III

Salary

$95,911.00 - $105,502.00 Annually

Location

Commonwealth Attorneys Office 236 N King Street, Hampton, VA

Job Type

Full-Time Permanent

Job Number

09602

Department

COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY

Opening Date

04/15/2025

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Function

Are you an experienced legal professional passionate about public service and committed to upholding the law with fairness and accountability? The City of Hampton is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III to serve as a senior member of our dynamic legal team. In this pivotal role, you will prosecute complex and high-level criminal cases, mentor junior attorneys, and collaborate with law enforcement and community partners to enhance public safety and trust.

If you thrive in a high-stakes courtroom environment, bring seasoned judgment to your legal strategy, and are ready to make a greater impact through leadership and service, we encourage you to apply and be part of a mission-focused team where your experience and dedication truly make a difference.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
• Requires four years as a criminal prosecutor or three years as a criminal prosecutor and two additional years in the general practice of law or closely related experience.
• 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.

OR

• 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.
• Completion of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor course or its equivalent preferred.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Requires effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Requires continuing legal education in subjects affecting the work assigned to the incumbent.
• May require working non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• May require some local travel.
• The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Click here for a complete job description.

Examples of Work

The tasks listed below are representative of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the class as necessary.

• Utilizes knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law to thoroughly and accurately prepare cases for trial.
• Prepares, researches, and prosecutes difficult and complex criminal cases involving misdemeanors and selected felonies for trial in all courts.
• Contacts victims, witnesses, police officers and other investigators to review cases and incidents in which they were involved.
• Exercises creativity and skillful negotiating tactics in resolving cases.
• Keeps supervisor apprised of status of assigned cases.
• Argues pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Prepares responses to discovery.
• Advocates for victims.
• Documents in writing all actions and provides sufficient justification to support disposition recommendations.
• Advises City and State law enforcement officials regarding investigation of law violations; consults with City and State officials on a wide variety of problems having legal implications; may compile and maintain statistics for the lower courts.
• Utilizes appropriate resources, meets deadlines, prepares and reviews files in an adequate and timely manner.
• Recognizes issues relating to specific cases, recognizes strengths and weaknesses of cases, and expresses complex legal and non-legal issues effectively both orally and in writing.
• Adheres to the Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys.
• Responds to inquiries in a timely manner exercising good customer service skills.
• Assists in training less experienced attorneys; assists other attorneys as needed in the preparation of cases; recognizes and responds to the concerns of support staff.
• When assigned, works closely as a liaison to both Federal and State courts regarding matters of importance to the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits Overview

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts
• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Virginia 529
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA
• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
• Maternity Leave
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Care for Sick Parent Leave
• Birthday Leave
• Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Years Day

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Presidents Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

• Employees birthday

• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.

• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.

• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement(1-800-669-7400). For more information, visit Mission Square.

• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.

• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.

• Employees are covered for Workers Compensation where appropriate.

• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at 1-877-327-2872 or see the Guidance Resources Website.

01

I have graduated from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and authorized to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

• Yes, I am an active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• No, but I am eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. (If selected, please describe the basis for your eligibility and provide your anticipated timeline for admission below.)
• None of the above.

03

If you stated that you were eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar please explain your eligibility and provide your anticipated timeline for admission. ( If this does not apply please type in N/A)

04

Which of the following best describes your years of experience as a criminal prosecutor? Your application must reflect where you gained this specific experience.

• 1 - 2 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 5 or more years

05

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in the general practice of law?

• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4 or more years

06

I understand I must complete a criminal background check prior to any offer of employment or promotion.

• Yes
• No

07

This position requires a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton criteria. Failure to provide your drivers license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your drivers license number by entering it below:

Required Question

Employer City of Hampton

Address 22 Lincoln Street

Hampton, Virginia, 23669

Phone (757) 727-6407

Website http://www.hampton.gov/hr