Job Details

Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Office Prosecutor Positions

Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Office is seeking prosecutors dedicated to public safety, equity, honesty, and fairness. The office, serving a busy jurisdiction with 40 prosecutors and 45 staff, offers opportunities for early experience and working on interesting, advanced cases. The office prosecutes all felony cases and selected misdemeanors, including domestic violence, stalking, DUI, and firearms offenses. The office emphasizes data-driven, evidence-based processes that promote accountability and explore rehabilitation, diversion, and restoration where possible.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys work under a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, with mentorship from Senior Attorneys, rotating through four divisions: two Community Prosecution Teams, a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Team, and a Community Outreach Team involved with various court programs and Virginia's first Family Justice Center.

Salary and Benefits

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III: $107,479.13
Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II: $94,362.23
Assistant Commonwealth Attorney I: $84,862.68

All positions include benefits and VRS retirement.

Essential Functions

For Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I:

• Prepare cases for trial, review reports, identify facts, interview witnesses, review law, and anticipate defenses.
• Build rapport with victims and witnesses, explain court processes, and coordinate with Victim-Witness Advocates.
• Respond to discovery requests, prepare responses, and comply with discovery obligations.
• Evaluate plea offers, negotiate agreements, and handle bond arrangements.
• Conduct preliminary hearings and certain misdemeanor trials, including transfer and certification hearings in Juvenile Court.
• Present cases in Circuit Court, including opening and closing statements, examinations, objections, and evidence presentation.
• Keep supervisors informed about high-profile or difficult cases.
• Manage caseloads, update files, and ensure proper case closure.
• Maintain current knowledge of case law and evidence rules, and meet CLE requirements.
• Manage appeals, prepare briefs, and adhere to filing deadlines.
• Uphold professionalism and confidentiality; participate in community events.

For Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II:

• Handle complex case preparation, victim and witness rapport, discovery responses, and case evaluation.
• Use Motions in Limine effectively, negotiate plea agreements, and conduct hearings and trials.
• Mentor junior attorneys, serve as second chair, and conduct training.
• Manage caseloads efficiently, stay current on legal developments, and assist with training materials.
• Handle appeals and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Experience and Qualifications

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III: Minimum of 8 years prosecution experience, including homicide or white-collar crime, capable of first-chair murder prosecution with minimal supervision.

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II: Minimum of 3 years prosecution experience, including jury trials in Circuit Court, and familiarity with motions to suppress and motions in limine, with strong Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment knowledge.

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney I: Virginia law license in good standing. Prior experience in criminal defense, public interest, or related fields preferred but not required. Experience with case management systems is a plus.