Assistant District Attorney

Judicial Branch; North Carolina; On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Training opportunities

Growth opportunities

Community impact

Job summary

Judicial Branch's Office of the District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 24 seeks an entry-level Assistant District Attorney (NS) to prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases, including Domestic Violence, DWI and traffic, in a supportive, mentorship-focused environment.

No prior criminal law experience is required; you will gain hands-on litigiation experience, courtroom exposure, and opportunities for training while making a tangible impact on your community.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active license to practice law in North Carolina.
• No prior criminal law experience required; strong work ethic and desire to seek justice.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute criminal cases in district and superior courts.
• Screen cases using logic and reasoning to assess strengths and weaknesses of case facts.
• Research case law to identify legal precedence and assist in preparing cases for trial.
• Draft motions, write briefs, and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses to build compelling cases.
• Negotiate plea agreements, prepare for court proceedings, and present arguments in front of judges and juries.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Plea negotiations

Courtroom practice

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Agency District Attorney Division Job Classification Title Assistant District Attorney (NS) Position Number 60007497 Grade 30013281

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

Are you ready to launch your legal career and make a real impact in your community? Join our dynamic and collaborative team at the Office of the District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 24! We are looking for a passionate and motivated attorney to prosecute Misdemeanor criminal cases such as Domestic Violence, DWI, Traffic, with ample opportunities for growth, training, and hands‑on experience. In this role, you’ll be part of an office that values mentorship and teamwork, helping you develop courtroom skills and litigation experience from day one. No prior criminal law experience is required—just a strong work ethic and a desire to seek justice! THIS IS AN ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

SALARY RANGE: $56,000.00 - $80,000 .00

What You'll Do

• Prosecute criminal cases in both district and superior courts.
• Screen cases using logic and reasoning to assess strengths and weaknesses of case facts.
• Research case law to identify legal precedence and assist in preparing cases for trial.
• Draft motions, write briefs, and organize work to meet critical deadlines.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses to build compelling cases.
• Negotiate plea agreements, prepare for court proceedings, and present arguments confidently in front of judges and juries.

Skills

• Master the art of interpreting and applying complex criminal laws to real-world situations.
• Hone your ability to analyze case facts, conduct thorough legal research, and strategize for trials.
• Develop your courtroom presence through witness examinations, opening and closing arguments, and evidentiary objections.
• Learn to solve problems on the fly, produce quick legal interpretations, and handle sensitive situations tactfully.

What We Offer

Direct Interaction and Impact with Your Community: Work within the community to bring about positive change, increase public safety and encourage collaboration. Collaborative Office Culture: Work alongside a supportive team that encourages innovation and personal growth. Immediate Impact: From your first day, you’ll make a difference by helping to ensure justice is delivered in our community. Training and Mentorship: Benefit from a strong network of experienced attorneys who will guide you as you develop essential legal skills. Numerous no-cost professional development and training opportunities. Growth Opportunities: Build a solid foundation with litigation skills, criminal law and advocacy while working on diverse cases and advancing your legal career.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of: federal, state, common, and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case, statutory, and common law; NC General Statutes to prosecute criminal cases; judicial and quasi-judicial procedures; legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools; the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in trial court processes, protocols, and strategies; the operations of the NC court system; and ethical and professional standards of conduct. Skill in: interpreting and applying complex criminal laws to information, evidence, and other data; listening techniques used in interviewing witnesses; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of case facts; researching and identifying precedence in case law; utilizing and evaluating electronic legal research and online systems; negotiating plea agreements; organizing work; setting priorities; meeting critical deadlines; and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Ability to: analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and related written documents and apply applicable law to those facts; conduct legal research; plan, develop, and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results; prepare, organization, and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections; express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner; argue clearly, logically, and persuasively; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other participants in the criminal justice process; recognize and solve problems; produce legal interpretations in a quick and responsive manner for court officials; write reports, motions, briefs, and other legal documents; deal tactfully with sensitive situations; communicate both orally and in writing; and work independently.

Minimum Education and Experience

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

• A passion for public service and commitment to seeking justice. Attach cover letter and résumé.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.