Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney III

Salary: $93,098.00 - $102,408.00 Annually
Location : Hampton, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08628
Department: COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY
Opening Date: 04/15/2025

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.

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

The following plans are available the first of the month following one full calendar month of employment:

• -Health insurance
• -Dental insurance
• -Vision insurance
• -Reimbursement accounts
• Health insurance offered through Optima Health (1-800-229-1199). For more information on the provider network and pharmacies, see the
  The vision plan is offered through EyeMed Vision Care. For more information, see the
• Three dental plans are offered through Delta Dental (Delta Care, Delta Dental PPO, and Delta Dental PPO Plus) 1-800-237-6060. For more information, see the
  
• 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 ten paid holidays each year include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
  
• A tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax retirement plan, Roth IRA, is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-669-7400). For more information, see the
  
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is the Minnesota Life Insurance Company.
  
  Tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-669-7400). For more information, see the
• 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.
• 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.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family (757-363-6777, 1-800-899-8174 or
  
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
  
  Savings bonds are available to the City's workforce.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.

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 driver's license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your driver's license number by entering it below:
Required Question