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Assistant District Attorney Jobs in Springfield, VA

Trial Attorney (Tax)

Washington, DC · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

District Courts across the country. * Advise and instruct Assistant U.S. Attorneys on complex legal questions and departmental policy concerning internal revenue laws. * Consult with the Assistant ...

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to the District ... to assist in the section's other practice areas as back-up support. The attorney will also ...

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$128.66 - $157.26/hr

The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to the District ... to assist in the section's other practice areas as back-up support. The attorney will also ...

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to the District ... Assistant Attorney Generals, providing an atmosphere where their prosecutors learn to exercise ...

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Assistant District Attorney information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$38.6K

$85.5K

$156.2K

How much do assistant district attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant district attorney in Springfield, VA is $85,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges assistant district attorneys face when managing their caseloads?

Assistant District Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases with varying levels of complexity, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing court appearances, motion practice, and meetings with victims or law enforcement can be demanding, especially when preparing for trial deadlines. Additionally, handling sensitive cases and making prosecutorial decisions under public scrutiny can add emotional and ethical challenges. Support from colleagues and clear communication within the office are vital for managing these pressures effectively.

What is the difference between Assistant District Attorney vs Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant District AttorneyProsecutor
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar licenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar license
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, legal teamsGovernment agencies, courts, legal offices
Industry UsageCommonly used in local government, district attorney's officesUsed broadly for legal prosecutors at various government levels

Both Assistant District Attorneys and Prosecutors require a JD and state licensure. Assistant District Attorneys typically work within district attorney's offices handling criminal cases, while Prosecutors may operate at different government levels. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Assistant District Attorney' specifically refers to those working under the District Attorney's office.

What does an assistant district attorney do?

An Assistant District Attorney (ADA) is a public prosecutor who represents the government in criminal cases at the county or district level. ADAs review evidence, decide whether to bring charges, and conduct prosecutions in court. Their duties include preparing cases, negotiating plea bargains, presenting evidence, and working closely with law enforcement. They play a key role in ensuring justice is served within their jurisdiction.

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

To thrive as an Assistant District Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar licensure, and a strong grasp of criminal law, trial procedure, and legal research. Familiarity with case management software, legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and courtroom technology is essential. Outstanding oral advocacy, ethical judgment, and the ability to work under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective prosecution, upholding of justice, and strong public trust in the legal system.

What is an assistant district attorney?

An assistant district attorney (ADA) is a member of law enforcement who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the city or county district attorney’s office.There are many different types of ADAs and positions depend on experience and specialty, such as civil or criminal law. Your primary duties as an assistant district attorney are to review all the evidence in a particular criminal case and decide whether or not to proceed with a criminal prosecution against the defendant. You interview police officers, witnesses, victims, and specialists about the case and consult with the district attorney before deciding to go forward, offer a plea, or drop the case.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant District Attorney jobs in Springfield, VA? For Assistant District Attorney jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant District Attorney jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant District Attorney jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Assistant District Attorney jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Assistant District Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant District Attorney job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,523 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced\r\nclient-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising\r\nAttorney for the District II office serving the community of Somerset County.\r\nWe are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage\r\npeople historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n\r\nThe Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester offices are small but\r\nbusy rural public defender offices with a combined total of approximately 40+\r\nattorneys and staff. MOPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for\r\nAll. We are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence,\r\nclient-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a\r\nteam in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and\r\nexperience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to\r\nremain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities,\r\neducational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients.\r\nWe stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the\r\nspaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity,\r\nequity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

23\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

\r\nSomerset County\r\n11785 Summerset Avenue, Princess Anne, MD 21853\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Supervising Attorney combines their demonstrated dedication to the\r\nrepresentation of indigent clients with their strong leadership and litigation\r\nskills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a\r\nteam-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to\r\nrepresentation. The Supervising Attorney uses their strong leadership and\r\nsupervision skills to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence, respect,\r\nand positivity while simultaneously ensuring the efficient day-to-day operations\r\nof the office. This position's home base will be in Somerset\r\nCounty and will be charged with the day-to-day operations of that office;\r\nhowever, members of the supervision team are required to provide coverage to\r\nthe other counties within the district.\r\n\r\nPRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES\r\n\r\n Reports to the District\r\nPublic Defender and Deputy Public Defender of District II.\r\n Works closely with the\r\nDistrict II leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation\r\nthrough ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.\r\n Supervises attorneys\r\nhandling bail reviews, misdemeanor, juvenile, non-support, violation of probation,\r\nand felony cases as well as other professional and support staff.\r\n Monitors the attorney\r\ncaseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure optimal client outcomes and\r\nattorney development.\r\n Actively consults with\r\nattorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.\r\n Identifies, assesses, and\r\ncultivates talent amongst attorneys.\r\n Ensures accountability\r\nthrough the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.\r\n Fosters a culture of\r\nexcellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.\r\n Handles and approves\r\ntranscript requests, investigation requests, and panel determinations.\r\n Works closely with the\r\nTraining Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation\r\nthrough the development of relevant policies, practices, and trainings (including\r\nconducting regular in-house training programs).\r\n Maintains an active\r\ncaseload.\r\n Performs other duties as\r\ndetermined by the State Public Defender and District Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS\r\n\r\n Demonstrated commitment\r\nto zealous and comprehensive public defense.\r\n Excellent writing,\r\nresearch, and oral advocacy skills.\r\n A desire to thrive in a\r\nfast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and performance\r\nevaluations.\r\n Substantial criminal\r\nlitigation experience and strong trial skills (a minimum of 3 years felony experience).\r\n Commitment to addressing\r\nsystemic inadequacies and inequities in the criminal justice system.\r\n Strong interpersonal\r\nskills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, adversaries,\r\nclients, and family members, irrespective of differences in backgrounds and lived\r\nexperiences.\r\n Exceptional\r\norganizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic teams\r\nand high-volume caseloads.\r\n Demonstrated leadership,\r\nmentorship, supervisory, client advocacy, and management abilities.\r\n Active membership in good\r\nstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys\r\nbarred in another.\r\n

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS\r\n\r\nThis is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or\r\nbelow. Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State\r\nof Maryland employees.\r\n\r\nAssistant Public Defender, Supervisor: starting at $124,302.00 (Grade 23,\r\nStep 13)\r\n\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee's page here to review benefit\r\ninformation.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY\r\n\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the\r\napplication and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through\r\nthe Resume Tab in the JobAps Application: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover\r\nletter, and (3) a list of four professional references. \r\n\r\nIncomplete applications will not be considered.\r\n\r\nAssistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in\r\nthe private practice of law\r\nwhile in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section\r\n16-203(d)(2).\r\n\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.\r\n\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and\r\npossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.\r\nApplicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various\r\ncourtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.\r\nMOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation\r\nfor individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities\r\nby modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work\r\nenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or\r\nemployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position\r\nthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or\r\nto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other\r\nsimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation\r\nimposes an undue hardship.\r\n\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.\r\nApplicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public\r\ntransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda\r\nJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time