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Assistant Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

VA · On-site

$80K - $81K/yr

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney - Entry Level Location: Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Schedule: Full-time | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Starting Salary: $80,705 to $81,905 (effective ...

VA · On-site

$90K - $94K/yr

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Location: Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Schedule: Full-time | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Minimum Starting Salary: $90,000 to $94,000 (effective August 1, ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$52.5K

$85.7K

$137.3K

How much do assistant attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant attorney in Virginia is $85,703.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and negotiation skills help you stand out in handling cases and interacting with clients and colleagues. These skills ensure effective legal representation, efficient case handling, and positive outcomes for clients and the organization.

What are some common challenges assistant attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Assistant Attorneys often handle a high volume of cases at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining attention to detail. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for balancing court appearances, legal research, and client communications. Collaborating with senior attorneys and support staff can help distribute workload and ensure thorough case preparation. Regularly updating case files and proactively communicating with team members also helps prevent important details from slipping through the cracks.

What is the difference between Assistant Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssistant AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, government, corporate sectorLegal support roles, law firms, courts
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Attorneys are licensed legal professionals with a Juris Doctor degree and bar admission, often working directly on legal cases. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Assistant Attorneys have more responsibilities and legal authority compared to Paralegals.

What does an assistant attorney do?

An Assistant Attorney is a legal professional who works under the supervision of a senior attorney or prosecutor, often within government agencies or law firms. Their primary responsibilities include researching legal issues, preparing legal documents, conducting investigations, and representing the government or their organization in court cases. Assistant Attorneys play a crucial role in case preparation, client interviews, and presenting arguments in court, particularly for criminal and civil matters. They assist in ensuring that justice is served and that legal processes are followed correctly.
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Attorney jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,703 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Assistant or Senior Assistant County Attorney

Chesterfield County

Chesterfield, VA

$70K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Minimum Qualifications PLEASE NOTE: A resume and writing samples are required and must be attached to the application prior to submitting the application online. Chesterfield County, Virginia, is a dynamic and rapidly growing local government. The Chesterfield County Attorney's Office is seeking to fill the trial and appellate litigator attorney position described below.

Attorneys in the County Attorney's Office provide daily legal counsel to County officials and employees and represent them in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative tribunals. Work may be performed independently or as part of a litigation team, depending on the assignment. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school; be licensed and in good standing with the Virginia State Bar; have a strong academic background and excellent research and writing skills; have an understanding of the political and administrative environment in which local governments operate; and have the ability to advocate legal solutions with moral authority

This position will be filled at the appropriate seniority level based on years of relevant experience. The minimum experience and minimum starting salary for the position of Assistant County Attorney is 3 years and $135,000 and for Senior Assistant County Attorney is 5 years and $160,000. All candidates will be judged, in significant part, by the quality of their legal writing.

Candidates must provide writing samples to the County Attorney's Office at the time of applying. Candidates will also be judged by references who are familiar with their character and professional achievements. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification are required.

Duties Trial and Appellate Litigator: Will directly represent the County and its employees in complex legal matters and transactions relating to constitutional claims, employment, personal injury, construction contracts, and other matters. The position offers significant autonomy and first-chair experience in trial and appellate litigation in state and federal courts across a stimulating variety of subject matters. Perform other work as required.

Shift Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends may be required as necessary. Work Location County Attorney's Office Chesterfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion