Attorney Manager II

Justice; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 121,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice seeks an Attorney Manager II to lead and supervise the Capital Litigation Section, directing the State’s capital appellate and post-conviction litigation strategy across state and federal review. This senior role requires coordinating with subordinates and ensuring high-quality litigation for capital cases.

The position manages direct appeals, post-conviction proceedings, and federal habeas corpus litigation, with occasional travel and a background check.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state case law and statutory law.
• Ability to assist subordinates with courtroom litigation.
• Ability to independently conduct high-level courtroom litigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the 7 other attorneys and staff in capital litigation.
• Direct Capital Appeals, including briefs, oral arguments, and related proceedings.
• Oversee State Post‑Conviction Litigation, including motions for relief and collateral challenges.
• Manage Federal Habeas Corpus Litigation and related proceedings; travel as needed.

Skills

Legal leadership

Capital litigation knowledge

Courtroom litigation

Job description

Attorney Manager II (NS) Position Number 65044783 Grade LG10

Agency Dept of Justice Division DOJ Legal Services

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General of North Carolina, represents the state, state agencies, and elected officials, and defends the rights of the people of North Carolina. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal cases at their request. Additionally, the Department of Justice includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions.

Description of Work

Recruitment Range: $120,642 - $145,781

NOTE: These are time-limited positions, subject to funding availability, which may last up to 36 months (3 years). Time limited employees are eligible for State Benefits. If you have questions concerning the time-limited status of these positions, you may inquire if selected for an interview.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.

The primary purpose of this position is to lead and supervise the Capital Litigation Section and to direct the State of North Carolina’s representation in capital appellate and post-conviction litigation. The position serves as the Department’s principal subject‑matter expert on capital litigation and is responsible for ensuring consistent, experienced, and effective representation of the State throughout the state and federal review of capital convictions and sentences.

• Lead and supervise the 7 other attorneys of the section and staff responsible for representing the State in capital litigation. The Manager oversees direct appeals in capital cases, state post‑conviction proceedings, including motions for appropriate relief, federal habeas corpus litigation, and assistance to district attorneys in capital prosecutions. The position is responsible for assigning an reviewing cases, providing strategic and legal guidance on complex capital matters, ensuring consistency and quality in the State’s litigation positions.
• Direct Capital Appeals. Represent the State in all direct appeals from judgments imposing a sentence of death, including the preparation of briefs, presentation of oral argument, responses to petitions or other relief, and all related proceedings before the appellate courts of North Carolina.
• State Post‑Conviction Litigation. Represent the State in all post‑conviction proceedings involving a capital conviction or sentence, including motions for appropriate relief and other collateral challenges litigated in the superior courts, petitions and appeals arising from those proceedings in the North Carolina appellate courts, and petitions for certiorari or other review in any other courts. Section attorneys will handle evidentiary hearings and factual development necessary to defend capital convictions and sentences and will retain responsibility for the case throughout any proceedings.
• Federal Habeas Corpus Litigation. Represent the State in all federal habeas corpus proceedings challenging North Carolina capital convictions or death sentences, including proceedings under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 in the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina; evidentiary hearings and other district‑court proceedings; applications for certificates of appealability; briefing and oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc; and petitions for writs of certiorari and merits proceedings before the Supreme Court of the United States. Some travel, including some occasional overnight stays are required. The selected candidate is subject to a background investigation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Knowledge of federal and state case law and statutory law. Ability to assist subordinates with courtroom litigation and to independently conduct high‑level courtroom litigation.

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. Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.

NOTE: GS 114-2 and 114-6 make it the duty of the Attorney General of NC to represent the State of North Carolina in all litigation unless another statute specifically states otherwise.

The North Carolina Department of Justice, includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions.

The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits.

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.