Assistant Public Defender

NCdotGov; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated public defender's office is seeking passionate individuals to join as Assistant Public Defenders. This role involves representing clients in complex DWI cases and participating in community outreach initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a Juris Doctor degree and a commitment to client advocacy, ensuring that justice is served for those unable to afford legal representation. The position requires strong communication and legal research skills, as well as the ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations. If you are eager to make a difference in the community and provide vital legal support, this opportunity awaits you.

Qualifications

• Must have valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and common law is essential.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in DWI and complicated impaired driving cases.
• Engage in community service and outreach programs.

Skills

strong communication skills

legal research and writing

interviewing

organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school

Job description

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

Recruiting for multiple positions

Positions are being reposted. Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

The Office of the Public Defender, District 43, which consists of Cherokee, Clay, Swain, Macon, and Graham counties, is seeking multiple qualified individuals to serve as an Assistant Public Defender. Attorneys will likely be assigned to DWI cases and need to be prepared to represent clients with complicated impaired driving cases; and may be assigned to cover treatment court and other initiatives that may arise to better serve our community. All Assistant Public Defenders must be capable of handling difficult cases and clients, while maintaining positive, professional relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public. Attorneys are expected to visit clients in jail, and prison facilities, and travel outside the office to conduct other investigative procedures. Must have a strong desire and commitment to client advocacy and indigent defense.

As public service employees, it is expected that all Assistant Public Defenders will engage in community service and participate in outreach programs relevant to the services we are providing, including volunteer programs which occur during evening hours and weekends.

Must have valid North Carolina Driver's License.

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, and juvenile cases, and legal research.

Skills in: strong communication skills to litigate cases in the courtroom, exceptional legal research and writing skills, interviewing, and organization.

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; and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner.

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina. Applicants awaiting NC Bar Licensure will be considered.

Applicants with experience in criminal district and/or criminal superior court trials is helpful but not required.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

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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. To learn more, click on these links:

E-Verify Participation | E-Verify Participation (Spanish)

Right to Work | Right to Work (Spanish)

Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers