Attorney V

North Carolina Judicial Branch; North Carolina; On-site; USD 121,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Justice seeks an Attorney V to lead high‑impact litigation for the Judicial Branch and state agencies. You will litigate complex matters, advise senior management on policy issues, and supervise other attorneys providing legal services to the Judicial Branch.

This senior role supports the Administrative Office of the Courts and related divisions, handling state and federal appeals and coordinating across multiple offices.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar and five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.
• Experience litigating before state and federal tribunals and advising on policy matters.
• Ability to supervise attorneys and coordinate work across offices.

Responsibilities

• Litigate cases involving judicial and executive branch officials and statewide matters.
• Advise DOJ senior management on policy and program matters affecting the Judicial Branch and Executive Branch agencies.
• Serve as lead attorney and supervise others providing legal services to the Judicial Branch.

Skills

Litigation experience

Policy advice

Team coordination

Education

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar

Five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience

Job description

Agency

Dept of Justice

Division

DOJ Legal Services

Job Classification Title

Attorney V (NS)

Position Number

60010392

Grade

LG10

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 - $134,174

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

Services to State Agencies Section, Attorney V

This Attorney V position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced attorney who is passionate about litigation and dedicated to public service. The role offers a meaningful chance to support and represent the Judicial Branch of North Carolina and the State of North Carolina.

The Service to State Agencies Section provides a full range of legal service, including litigation before State and federal tribunals, to a number of State agencies or agency components, including the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Department of State Treasurer, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Office of State Human Resources, the State Human Resources Commission, the Credit Union Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology and the Wildlife Resources Commission.

This senior level role Attorney V position offers a unique opportunity to handle high impact litigation for the Judicial Branch of North Carolina, including the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS).

The Attorney V will:

• Litigate cases involving elected and appointed judicial and non‑judicial officials and employees of the various offices within the Judicial Branch. These cases often challenge statewide practices, procedures, and statutes, including complex constitutional and potential class‑action matters.
• Advise DOJ senior management on policy and program matters involving interaction between the Judicial Branch and Executive Branch agencies.
• Serve as the lead attorney and/or supervise the work of the other attorney who also provides legal services to the Judicial Branch.
• Provide additional legal services as assigned by the Office of the Attorney General, including representation in State criminal appeals. During periods of resource shortages within the team, the Section, or the Department, this attorney may be asked to handle additional cases or matters beyond the normal caseload.

The Attorney V must be a self‑starter who independently manages all aspects of assigned cases and matters with minimal supervision. In addition to litigating effectively at all levels of court, the attorney must work collaboratively within the team, keep internal and external stakeholders informed of critical developments, and demonstrate strong coordination skills with colleagues in both the Section and the AOC.

Management has requested that applicants submit one civil writing sample no more than 20 pages.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Management Preferences:

• Please attach one civil writing sample no more than 20 pages.

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.