Assistant District Attorney - Entry Level

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Bar dues paid

Training opportunities

PSLF program

DA conference

Job summary

The District Attorney’s Office, District 27, Rowan County, seeks a qualified Assistant District Attorney to prosecute criminal cases. Responsibilities include screening cases, researching precedents, preparing trials, and handling motions. This entry-level role offers mentorship and potential remote work opportunities.

The office emphasizes work-life balance, training, and advancement in a supportive environment, with a generous benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.
• Candidates who passed the July bar exam are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Attach cover letter, résumé, and writing sample.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute criminal cases in District 27, Rowan County.
• Screen incoming cases and identify strengths/ weaknesses of case facts.
• Prepare cases for trial, file motions, organize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Caseload may include district and superior court cases.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Criminal law

Case research

Evidence handling

Oral advocacy

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Active license to practice law in North Carolina

Tools

Electronic legal research tools

Job description

Agency

District Attorney

Division

DISTRICT ATTORNEY 27

Job Classification Title

Assistant District Attorney (NS)

Position Number

65024788

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

SALARY RANGE: $56,000.00 - $75,000.00

This position is time-limited, grant funded, full-time. Funding for this position will end on August 31, 2027; however, we expect funding to continue beyond this date

The District Attorney’s Office, in District 27, Rowan County, seeks a qualified Assistant District Attorney to prosecute criminal cases. Duties include but are not limited to the following: screen incoming cases using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of case facts; research and identify precedence in case law; utilize and evaluate electronic legal research and other research tools; prepare cases for trial; write and file any appropriate motions; organize work; set priorities; meet critical deadlines; follow up on assignments; and meet with victims of crime. Caseload may include district and superior court cases.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

• This position is ideal for an entry level attorney who would like to be in a courtroom and try cases.
• Candidates who passed the July bar exam are strongly encouraged to apply.
• We are conveniently located approximately 40-45 minutes from Charlotte, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro.
• We are centrally located within a few hours from the beach or mountains.
• Rowan County has a rich history which features preserved historic districts, local museums, and theaters. For those who are interested in outdoor activities, High Rock Lake, which is the second largest lake in North Carolina, is located in our county, along with several hiking trails.

Our office provides

• immediate opportunities for entry level attorneys to develop and advance their trial skills.
• a team atmosphere with a focus on work-life balance and opportunities for advancement.
• mentorships, monthly training opportunities, and some remote work may be available.

Other benefits

• State Health Plan and Employee Benefits Package; Annual DA Conference; CLE and various training opportunities; NC Annual Bar Dues paid; Public Service Loan Forgiveness program based on requirements, etc.

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, organize, 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.

Supplemental and Contact Information:

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Travis Davis

NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division

http://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

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.

Candidates who passed the July bar exam are strongly encouraged to apply.

Attach cover letter, résumé, and writing sample.

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.

Recruiter

Travis Edward Davis

Email

[e-mail]