Assistant Public Defender

Judicial Branch; North Carolina; Presencial; USD 85 000 - 95 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

State Health Plan

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Continuing legal education (CLE)

Public Defender Conference

Forensic resources

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Resumo da oferta

The North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services seeks an experienced attorney to join the District7 Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender assigned to felony and misdemeanor cases in Bertie County. This position is ideal for a seasoned criminal defense attorney with experience trying cases in district and superior court.

As a member of our collaborative team, you will represent indigent clients charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses from appointment through

Qualificações

• Experience litigating felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Active license to practice law in North Carolina.
• Résumé and cover letter required.

Responsabilidades

• Advocate for clients pre-trial, during hearings, and at trial.
• Conduct legal research and develop defense strategies.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and present evidence in court.
• Collaborate with investigators, advocates, and staff.
• Maintain communication with clients about case progress.
• Adhere to ethical standards and legal responsibilities.

Conhecimentos

Legal research

Trial advocacy

Oral argument

Written briefs

Client interviews

Case strategy

Analytical thinking

Formação académica

Juris Doctor (ABA accredited)

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Job Title

Assistant Public Defender (NS)

Position Number

65038349

Grade

30013288

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.

Salary

SALARY RANGE: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 (based upon experience level)

Job Description

The North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services is seeking an experienced attorney to join the District7 Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender assigned to felony and misdemeanor cases in Bertie County. This position is ideal for a seasoned criminal defense attorney with experience trying cases in district and superior court. As a member of our collaborative team, you will represent indigent clients charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses from appointment through disposition. You will handle a diverse caseload, litigate motions, negotiate resolutions when appropriate, and try cases. You will work alongside experienced attorneys, investigators, client advocates, and community partners committed to providing exceptional, client-centered representation. District7 serves Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties in northeastern North Carolina. Our office embraces innovation, teamwork, and holistic defense while offering attorneys meaningful courtroom experience and the opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of clients and the communities we serve. Outside the courtroom, you’ll enjoy the quality of life that northeastern North Carolina offers. The Chowan, Roanoke, Middle, and Cashie Rivers provide outstanding opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The Albemarle Sound and the renowned Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course are nearby, and the Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C. are all within easy driving distance. District7 offers the opportunity to enjoy the peace of a close‑knit community while remaining conveniently connected to larger metropolitan areas.

Location: Bertie County, and the District7 region includes Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for client’s rights and interests prior to and during court proceedings, hearings, and trials.
• Conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, develop defense strategies, assist in investigating cases and gathering evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and present evidence in court.
• Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents.
• Collaborate with other legal professionals, including colleagues within the public defender's office, investigators, and support staff.
• Handle administrative tasks related to caseload management, document preparation, and other responsibilities within the public defender's office.
• Maintain open and effective communication with clients to keep them informed about their cases, explain legal options, and address their concerns.
• Also, maintain communication to better understand your client’s unique situation and build a strong defense on your client’s behalf.
• Adhere to ethical standards and legal responsibilities in the practice of law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State, common and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case, statutory, regulatory, and common law; NC General Statutes to defend criminal cases; judicial and quasi‑judicial procedures; and legal research methods.
• Skills in: Ability to analyze facts, identify legal issues, and develop strong case strategies; strong oral communication skills to present arguments persuasively and engage with judges and juries; the ability to think critically and make quick, effective decisions during trial proceedings; creative problem‑solving skills to address unexpected challenges during a trial; strong writing skills to prepare persuasive motions, briefs, and legal documents; interpersonal skills; organization and time management skills; technology proficiency skills.
• Ability to analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and related written documents and apply applicable law to those facts; 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; communicate in a clear and concise manner.

Benefits

• North Carolina State employment benefits, including the State Health Plan, retirement benefits, paid leave, extensive continuing legal education opportunities, the Annual Public Defender Conference, access to expert forensic resources, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program in accordance with federal requirements.

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.
• Must provide a résumé and cover letter.

Eligibility and Compliance

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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.

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.