The Office of the Capital Defender (OCD) for the State of North Carolina is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Capital Defender in the New Hanover County office. Since July 1, 2001, OCD has been responsible for overseeing the provision of representation in potentially capital cases in North Carolina.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Represent indigent clients charged with capital murder.
Develop and maintain productive working relationships with clients, investigators, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team.
Conduct fact and mitigation investigation related to the circumstances of the charged offense(s) and the client's background, in order to prepare an appropriate defense and develop the compelling mitigation evidence.
Conduct pre-trial negotiations that may allow a client to resolve his or her case without having to risk the possibility of being sentenced to death.
Conduct legal research, develop a theory of the case, identify and retain appropriate experts, and prepare for jury selection and trial.
Draft pre-trial motions and other pleadings related to discovery, evidentiary issues, and the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Consult with and provide support to other attorneys in and out of the office on issues related to trial strategy and capital litigation.
Develop and deliver presentations on issues related to capital litigation for seminars and other capital case trainings sponsored by OCD and other defense organizations in the state.
Perform any other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Capital Defender or Deputy Capital Defender.
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.