Under the supervision of the Public Defender, the Assistant Public Defender job responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: represent clients in criminal district and superior court; meet with and interview clients in preparation for court appearance; prepare and file appropriate motions; submit necessary investigation requests to appropriate investigator; research and utilize all applicable law; visit incarcerated clients regularly.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
Knowledge: Candidate must have knowledge of Federal and State, constitutional, N.C. General Statutes, and common law necessary to defend criminal cases, knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures, knowledge of the rules of evidence, and legal research methods.
Skills: Candidate must be extremely organized and detailed with documentation of case files and able to multi- task. Candidate must have strong communication, writing, interviewing and organizational skills. Candidate must be self-motivated and demonstrate competent and effective advocacy skills.
Ability: Candidate must be able to analyze facts, law, and related written documents and apply applicable law appropriately; conduct legal research; plan, develop, and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results; prepare, organize, and conduct witness direct and cross examinations; deliver opening statements; closing arguments, make appropriate 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.
Experience in criminal district and/or criminal superior court trial is preferred but not required.