The posting
Job Description
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church is seeking an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I, II, or III.
The Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is committed to advancing public safety through fairness, accountability, transparency, and evidence-based prosecution. We believe prosecutors play a critical role in promoting justice, reducing unnecessary incarceration, addressing racial and economic disparities, supporting victims, and strengthening community trust.
We seek attorneys who are passionate about public service, understand the prosecutor's unique ethical responsibilities, and are committed to a reform-oriented approach that balances accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation and healing.
Responsibilities
Major Job Duties (All Levels):
- Reviewing criminal investigations and making charging decisions consistent with applicable law, office policy, and the interests of justice.
- Preparing and prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases, including:reviewing and assessing criminal investigations and evidence and making charging decisions consistent with applicable law, office policy, and the interests of justice. fulfilling all constitutional, statutory, and ethical obligations including disclosure requirements. preparing and arguing pretrial motions, engaging in plea negotiations, and trying cases to a verdict with judge or jury.
- Communicating regularly with people from diverse backgrounds including victims, witnesses, law enforcement, defense counsel, and community stakeholders.
- Embracing data-driven and evidence-based practices.
- Identifying appropriate alternatives to prosecution, diversion opportunities, treatment-based interventions, and restorative justice options.
- Collaborating with colleagues to advance office-wide reform initiatives and improve prosecutorial practices.
- Participating in community outreach and public education efforts.
- Maintaining accurate case files and records.
Position Levels
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I:
- This is an entry-level frontline prosecutor.
- An ACA I will handle a misdemeanor docket while receiving training and mentorship to develop courtroom advocacy, case evaluation, and community-centered prosecution skills.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney II:
- This is a frontline prosecutor with a minimum of three (3) years’ courtroom experience.
- An ACA II is expected to be able to competently and independently prosecute a wide array of misdemeanors and felonies.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney III:
- This is a senior level frontline prosecutor.
- An ACA III is expected to be able to competently and independently prosecute complex felony cases.
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
- Excellent judgment, integrity, and professionalism.
- Commitment to public service and equal justice under the law.
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, criminal justice reform, restorative practices, or community engagement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
All Levels:
Completion of the requirements for graduation with a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university, and membership in the Virginia State Bar or eligible for waiver.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I:
- Some law enforcement or courtroom experience, including legal research and writing. Experience prosecuting complex felony trials is helpful.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II:
- At least three years in law enforcement or courtroom experience including trial, legal research, and clerk experience.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III:
- At least three years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney including trial experience with complex felony cases, legal research and legal writing.
Special Requirements
Letter of Interest: A complete application includes a letter of interest. Please attach your letter to this application (or provide your response in the supplemental question) detailing your accomplishments in the areas outlined in the minimum and desirable qualifications to include: (a) your professional-level experience as a practicing trial lawyer working in a courtroom setting or as a judicial clerk; (b) criminal trial prosecution experience; and/or (c) prosecuting complex, serious, and/or sensitive criminal misdemeanor and/or felony cases or other cases.
Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of your official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.
Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.
Additional Information
Work Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, flexible schedule with limited telework opportunities and flexibility for occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
This position is part of a broadband, competency-based pay system. The official job titles for the positions are below. Starting salary within the band is based on a review of qualifications and experience. The pay band encompasses entry through senior-level work. Pay potential will be based on performance and employee development.
Commonwealth's Attorney III (senior level): $129,105.60 - $200,096.00 Annually Commonwealth's Attorney II (journey level): $111,508.80 - $172,806.40 Annually Commonwealth's Attorney I (entry-level): $87,318.40 - $135,324.80 Annually
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THAT IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our agency. We encourage all to apply and make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
NOTE: This position is listed as “open continuous.” Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received.
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
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