Assistant Public Defender

Agency

Indigent Defense Services

Division

PUBLIC DEFENDER 7 DISTRICT

Job Classification Title

Assistant Public Defender (NS)

Position Number

65038426

Grade

30013288

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY RANGE: $54,369.00 - $65,000.00

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 the young attorney looking for an opportunity to be in the courtroom, developing their trial skills while collaborating with community stakeholders to reduce recidivism, District 7 is the place for you. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you will appreciate proximity to the Chowan, Roanoke, Middle and Cashie Rivers where you can spend the day kayaking and fishing. 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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

This position will be responsible for representing indigent persons charged with misdemeanor and low-level felony criminal offenses in Bertie and Hertford County. 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:

• Advocate 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.
• Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents.
• Collaborate with other legal professionals, including colleagues within the public defender's office, investigators, and support staff.
• Handle administrative tasks related to caseload management, document preparation, and other responsibilities within the public defender's office.
• Maintain open and effective communication with clients to keep them informed about their cases, explain legal options, and address their concerns. Also, maintain communication to better understand your client’s unique situation and build a strong defense on your client’s behalf.
Adhere 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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: Ability to analyze facts, identify legal issues, and develop strong case strategies; Strong oral communication skills to present arguments persuasively and engage with judges and juries; The ability to think critically and make quick, effective decisions during trial proceedings; Creative problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges during a trial; Strong writing skills to prepare persuasive motions, briefs, and legal documents; Interpersonal Skills; Organization and Time Management Skills; Technology Proficiency Skills.

Ability to: analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and related written documents and apply applicable law to those facts; 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; communicate in a clear and concise manner.

Supplemental and Contact Information:

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* 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.

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

http://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

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.

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.

EEO Statement

T he 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.

Recruiter:

Travis Edward Davis

Email:

HumanResources@nccourts.org