Assistant Attorney General, Correctional Litigation

The Correctional Litigation Section of the Office of the Attorney General is seeking an attorney to represent and advise the Virginia Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Parole Board. As an attorney in the Correctional Litigation section, you will litigate cases in state and federal courts involving alleged violations of inmates' constitutional rights – including freedom of speech, religious freedoms, excessive force, and due process – as well as claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Virginia Tort Claims Act. This position also offers some opportunity for continued appellate work on cases appealed following final disposition in the trial court. Apart from litigation, you will advise our client agencies on emerging issues in the law as well as on responses to ancillary matters such as subpoena duces tecum and Freedom of Information Act requests. As with all positions, other duties as necessary or appropriate may also be assigned. This position presents an exciting and rewarding opportunity for the right candidate to be a part of a dynamic team and to perform a valuable public service. This position reports to the Section Chief and can be based out of the Richmond, Abingdon, Fairfax, or Virginia Beach Office. Some overnight travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to the Virginia State Bar
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in time management
• The ability to work well under pressure and adjust priorities without close supervision
• A willingness to assist and supervise others
• The ability to think outside of the box and apply common-sense
• The flexibility to work both independently and as a team member

Special Instructions

Applicants must be prepared to submit a complete application consisting of the following:

• Cover Letter addressed to Legal Recruitment – Please indicate why you are interested in this specific position and what makes you a strong candidate.
• Resume
• Legal Writing Sample – Please submit a writing sample that reflects your legal advocacy skills. Court filings, such as briefs filed in the state or federal court, are acceptable. Please indicate whether you were the primary drafter of a specific section and/or whether the sample reflects comments or edits from others.
• Law School Transcript – Please submit transcript if you have less than two (2) years of post-law school legal experience.

Kindly utilize the Virginia Jobs website to submit your application. Applications sent to the Recruitment email address will not be reviewed for the hiring process. We do not entertain phone calls or emails inquiring about application status; instead, please login to the PageUp/RMS system for updates on your application's status.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer