Assistant District Attorney

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

Location: Office of the District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 42 (Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties), which is in the beautiful and serene mountains of Western North Carolina. District 42 is known for breathtaking vistas, hiking and mountain biking trails, beautiful and abundant waterfalls, dynamic and quaint small towns with superb restaurants and breweries, apple orchards, horse farms, and four seasons of desirable weather with typically low humidity. Overall, a great place to live, work, and play regardless of your age.

Are you ready to launch your legal career and make a real impact in the community where you live? Join our dynamic and collaborative team at the Office of the District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 42! We are looking for a passionate and motivated attorney to prosecute criminal cases such as Domestic Violence, Assault on a Government Officer, Driving While Impaired, Drug Possession, and a plethora of other crimes. This job provides ample opportunities for growth, training, and hands-on experience.

In this role, you’ll be part of an office that values mentorship and teamwork, helping you develop courtroom skills and litigation experience from day one. No prior criminal law experience is required—just a strong work ethic and a desire to seek justice!

What You'll Do:

• Prosecute criminal misdemeanor and felony cases in district court.
• Screen cases using logic and reasoning to assess the strengths and weaknesses of case facts.
• Research case law to identify legal precedents and assist in preparing cases for trial.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses to build compelling cases.
• Negotiate plea agreements, prepare for court proceedings, and present arguments confidently in front of judges.
• Be paired with an experienced Assistant District Attorney to present arguments in front of a jury.

Skills You'll Gain and Refine:

• Master the art of interpreting and applying complex criminal laws to real-world situations.
• Hone your ability to analyze case facts, conduct thorough legal research, and strategize for trials.
• Develop your courtroom presence through witness examinations, opening and closing arguments, and evidentiary objections.
• Learn to solve problems on the fly, produce quick legal interpretations, and handle sensitive situations tactfully.

What We Offer:

• Direct Interaction and the Opportunity to Positively Impact Your Community: Work within the community to bring about positive change, increase public safety, and encourage collaboration.
• Collaborative Office Culture: Work alongside a supportive team that encourages innovation and personal growth.
• Immediate Impact: From your first day, you’ll be working in a courtroom to ensure justice is delivered in our community.
• Training and Mentorship: A strong network of experienced attorneys who will guide you as you develop essential legal skills. Numerous no-cost professional development and training opportunities.
• Growth Opportunities: Build a solid foundation with litigation skills, criminal law, and advocacy while working on diverse cases and advancing your legal career.

Salary

• $65,000 - $85,000/year

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of: federal, state, common, and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case, statutory, and common law; NC General Statutes to prosecute criminal cases; judicial and quasi-judicial procedures; legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools; the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in trial court processes, protocols, and strategies; the operations of the NC court system; and ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Skill in: interpreting and applying complex criminal laws to information, evidence, and other data; listening techniques used in interviewing witnesses; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of case facts; researching and identifying precedence in case law; utilizing and evaluating electronic legal research and online systems; negotiating plea agreements; organizing work; setting priorities; meeting critical deadlines; and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.

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; express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner; argue clearly, logically, and persuasively; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other participants in the criminal justice process; recognize and solve problems; produce legal interpretations in a quick and responsive manner for court officials; write reports, motions, briefs, and other legal documents; deal tactfully with sensitive situations; communicate both orally and in writing; and work independently.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A passion for public service and a commitment to seeking justice.

How to Apply:

• Attach your cover letter and resume and follow the instructions below.

How to Apply

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.

Carefully review the FAQs if you experience difficulty with the application process or attaching documents. For technical issues with applications or attachments, call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.

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.
Charmaine J. Leeks
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.