Assistant Public Defender

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

Come join a brand-new office in District 7 as an Assistant Public Defender and experience all that the inner coastland has to offer. For those who desire a playground for water activities like kayaking and fishing, you will appreciate proximity to the Chowan, Roanoke, Middle and Cashie Rivers. The Albemarle Sound is also nearby and home to a challenging and attractive Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. Drive to the Outer Banks, for a fun and scenic day trip. Virginia Beach is only a 2-hour drive, or you may drive less than about 5 hours to experience all that Washington, D.C. has to offer! In District 7, you can enjoy the peace and charm of living in a community—where “city life” and a faster pace is accessible with only a short commute.

This position will be responsible for representing indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in District and Superior Court. District 7 includes Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton Counties and offers several valuable benefits: State Health Plan and Full State Employee Benefits Package, Retirement Plans, CLE opportunities and free trainings, Annual Public Defender Conference, Public Service Loan Forgiveness based on federal eligibility requirements, expert forensic resources…and more.

Responsibilities include:

• Advocating for client’s rights and interests prior to and during court proceedings, hearings, and trials. This includes conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, developing defense strategies, assisting in investigating cases and gathering evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting evidence in court.
• Staying informed about relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents.
• Collaborating with other legal professionals, including colleagues within the public defender's office, investigators, and support staff.
• Handling administrative tasks related to caseload management, document preparation, and other responsibilities within the public defender's office.
• Maintaining open and effective communication with clients to keep them informed about their cases, explain legal options, and address their concerns. Also, maintaining communication to better understand your client’s unique situation and build a strong defense on your client’s behalf.
• Adhering to ethical standards and legal responsibilities in the practice of law. The District 7 Public Defender Office strives to create a diverse staff with expertise and interest in serving our indigent clients who come to us with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and disabilities.

Salary

• $54,369 - $101,299/year

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

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: strong communication, writing, 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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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. Must provide a résumé and cover letter.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

Other Information

333 Fayetteville St

Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603

How to Apply

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*
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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.
Travis Davis
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division Benefits

Judicial Branch employees are eligible for the North Carolina State Government benefits package. The package consists of a comprehensive collection of benefit options including medical coverage, defined benefit retirement, supplemental retirement, flexible benefits, supplemental insurance, and other miscellaneous benefits.

Employees of the North Carolina Judicial Department have the opportunity to participate in an array of benefit offerings depending on employment status. The Benefits Eligibility Chart describes benefit eligibility by employment status.