Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
Northern Virginia Capital Defender Office
Assistant Capital Defender
Starting Salary: $79,872
The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is accepting applications for the position of
Assistant Capital Defender in the Northern Virginia Capital Defender Office (NoVA CDO).
The office is located in Arlington, Virginia. NoVA CDO is principally a trial-level office,
representing indigent clients charged with capital murder in cases throughout Northern
Virginia. In addition, NoVA CDO is involved in a smaller number of direct appeals of capital
convictions and provides resource and consultative services to other capital trial counsel. The
Assistant Capital Defender reports to the Capital Defender of the Northern Virginia Office and
is employed at will.
NoVA CDO delivers capital defense services through a staff of dedicated attorneys, capital
mitigation specialists and investigators, and office manager, as well as contracting with outside
mitigation, mental health, and other experts. NoVA CDO emphasizes team-based defense and
a holistic approach to questions of culpability and mitigation. NoVA CDO is committed to the
following values:
? Excellence in the provision of capital defender services for indigent defendants,
accepting that ABA Guidelines for high quality representation in capital case set a
minimum standard in the field;
? Client-centered and relationship-based work that respects the humanity and dignity of
all involved in the criminal justice system; and
? Innovation and creativity in the provision of capital defense services.
Duties:
As part of a defense team, the attorney will provide effective assistance of counsel in accordance
with the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death
Penalty Cases, including:
? Development and maintenance of positive and productive working relationships with
clients and significant other case participants;
? Legal research, analysis, and writing of motions and briefs;
? Investigation and preparation of evidence for pre-trial hearings, trials, and post-trial
hearings;
? Development and implementation of case theory, investigation, and litigation strategies;
? Preparation for pre-trial, trial, and post-trial negotiations and litigation;
? Identification, selection, preparation, and presentation of expert witnesses;
? Courtroom advocacy in pre-trial, trial, post-trial, and appellate proceedings;
? Management and maintenance of case files and additional materials;
? Attendance at, and participation in, in-house and external trainings directed to
improving and enhancing the attorney’s skill set in the provision of capital defender
services;
? Assisting in design, preparation, and presentation of in-house and external trainings in
areas of specialized knowledge or interest;
? Providing litigation support on a consultative basis to other capital defense
practitioners; and

? Additional services and duties as the needs of the office dictate.

Qualifications:
Applications will be judged according to the following criteria (in no particular order);
applicants are expected to address the criteria in their application.

Minimum Qualifications:
? Either admitted , or eligible for admission, to the Virginia State Bar;
? Significant criminal defense experience;
? A commitment to working with clients in poverty;
? A commitment to excellence in the provision of capital defender services;
? Creativity and energy in approaching indigent defense and capital representation;
? Strengths in team work, client relations, and relationship building;
? Demonstrated skill and experience in written and oral advocacy; and
? Valid driver’s license, with the ability and willingness to travel within and without the
state, including travel to courts and various correctional institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:
? Experience in capital defense casework;
? Experience or training concerning mental health issues associated with the criminal
justice system;
? Experience working with disadvantaged client groups;
? Computer literacy, including but not limited to, the use of Microsoft Office applications,
as well as spreadsheet, database programs, and case management software; and
? Spanish language fluency.

How to Apply:
Applicants should submit (1) a completed state application, (2) a cover letter with attached
legal writing sample, (3) a resume (“curriculum vitae”), and (4) references online to Virginia
State Job’s website, http://jobs.virginia.gov, and search under Virginia Indigent Defense
Commission or use the quick link below.

Inquiries should be directed to Edward J.
Ungvarsky, Capital Defender, at 703.875.0103 or eungvarsky@idc.virginia.gov.

The position will remain open until filled.
https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=419258

Equal Opportunity Employer