Job Announcement

The Office of Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano seeks an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney I to be assigned a combination of cases to include misdemeanor offenses in the General District Court level and less serious felony cases at the Circuit Court level.

Depending on level of experience, assignments generally include the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in General District Court (DUI, traffic offenses, and simple drug possession), and the prosecution of less serious felony cases to include non-violent crimes (property crimes, petit and grand larceny, forgery and uttering, etc.).

Prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor cases, conduct legal research and argument for hearings, compose appellate briefs, advise local law enforcement agencies, and work closely with victim/witness advocates. Advises county and state law enforcement officials concerning the investigation of criminal violations and trial preparation. Advises citizens of Fairfax County on issues relating to criminal law violations in the community and court procedure.

“Fairfax County is the largest jurisdiction in Virginia and the Commonwealth’s Attorney is the chief prosecutor for the County as well as the leader of its criminal justice system. The County is also increasingly diverse - 16% Latin American, 19% Asian American, and 10% African American as of 2019.

Upon taking office in January of 2020, Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano embarked on an ambitious criminal justice reform agenda that has included restructuring the office to produce accountability around reforms, ending the prosecution of marijuana possession, ending the use of cash bail, issuing a comprehensive policy to address mass incarceration, and the formulation of a Justice Advisory Council. The office seeks to add team members with a passion for criminal justice reform and working to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in our local justice system.”

Note: This job announcement may be used to fill multiple positions.

Illustrative Duties

• Prepares and tries civil and criminal cases;
• Advises law enforcement officials regarding the investigation of law violations;
• Interviews witnesses;
• Prepares and files complaints;
• Consults with department heads and others on a variety of County problems having legal implications;
• Conducts legal research and prepares briefs, ordinances and opinions as requested;
• Drafts necessary legal documents;
• Locates witnesses and defendants;
• Represents the County in hearings;
• Dictates letters, legal instruments and complaints.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of civil and criminal law;
• Knowledge of trial procedures and the rules of evidence;
• Knowledge of legal research methods;
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically;
• Ability to evaluate people and obtain information through interrogations.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Virginia Commonwealth Bar.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Not applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, and lay witnesses; effectively address, with sensitivity, the needs of victims of crime; work proficiently in a collaborative, team environment, engage people of various social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds; maintain a fast-paced workload/docket while keeping case files and workplace organized; prepare and present cases before a trial court in a short period of time; and establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and credit check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Duties are generally sedentary, performed in a normal office environment. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview.

NOTE: The appointee(s) of the position(s) have a one (1) year probationary period. Employment is at-will serving at the pleasure of the Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.