Assistant District Attorney - Entry Level

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 63,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of North Carolina is hiring an entry-level Assistant District Attorney (NS) in Prosecutorial District 6. You will prosecute misdemeanor cases daily in a fast-paced courtroom and gain hands-on experience with mentorship and growth opportunities.

Candidates who recently sat for the July Bar will be considered; Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited school and active NC license required. Attach cover letter and résumé as part of the application process.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanor cases in a fast-paced courtroom daily.
• Screen incoming cases and identify strengths and weaknesses using case law precedents.
• Prepare and file motions; efficiently manage dockets and timely resolve cases.
• Occasional travel to other counties and overnight travel for training.

Education

Juris Doctor degree from ABA-accredited law school

Active license to practice law in North Carolina

Job description

Agency

District Attorney

Division

DISTRICT ATTORNEY 6

Job Classification Title

Assistant District Attorney (NS)

Position Number

60007079

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

HIRING RANGE: $62,500.00 - $72,500.00

Are you ready to launch your legal career and make a real impact in your community? Bring your passion for Justice to the Carolina Coast! The Office of the District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 6, seeks an entry level attorney to prosecute criminal cases with ample opportunities for growth, training, and hands‑on experience. Candidates who recently sat for the July Bar will be considered.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Prosecute misdemeanor cases in a fast‑paced courtroom daily, 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; efficiently manage dockets and timely resolve cases. Occasional travel to other counties to assist with those dockets, and travel overnight for training. 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.

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

https://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 recently sat for the July bar will be considered.

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.