Assistant Public Defender

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

The Union County Public Defender's Office is seeking a dedicated and passionate Assistant Public Defender to join our team. This position involves representing indigent clients in criminal proceedings at all stages of the legal process. The ideal candidate will be committed to social justice, possess strong litigation skills and have an understanding of criminal law and constitutional rights. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent law school student graduate who has passed the bar and is ready to begin a meaningful career in public defense!

Key Responsibilities include:

• Conduct client interviews, legal research, and pre-trial investigations.
• Prepare and argue motions, negotiate plea agreements.
• Develop effective defense strategies and advocate for clients.
• Maintain accurate case files.
• Collaborate with investigator, support staff and other Assistant Public Defenders.
• Ensure ethical and professional standards are upheld in all legal practices.
• Ability to manage a high case load and work effectively.
• Strong Oral and Written Advocacy Skills.

Why you should join our office

• Join our team that is committed to safeguarding individual liberty and the Constitution by seeking due process and just outcomes for clients.
• Supportive team culture and mentorship from an experienced Public Defender and Assistant Public Defender totaling over 100 years.
• Hands on courtroom experience.

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.

Veterans and former military service members are encouraged to apply!

Attach cover letter and résumé.

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.