Seeking North Carolina licensed attorneys, or persons who are awaiting licensure/bar results, to commence immediately upon licensure. The salary for this position is $65,000+ depending on experience.
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 those who desire a playground for water activities like kayaking and fishing, you will appreciate proximity to the Chowan, Roanoke, Middle and Cashie Rivers. 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.
This position will be responsible for representing indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in District and Superior Court. District 7 includes Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton Counties and offers several valuable benefits which includes: 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, but are not limited to, the following:
Advocating 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.
Staying informed about relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents.
Collaborating with other legal professionals, including colleagues within the public defender's office, investigators, and support staff.
Handling administrative tasks related to caseload management, document preparation, and other responsibilities within the public defender's office.
Maintaining open and effective communication with clients to keep them informed about their cases, explain legal options, and address their concerns. Also, maintaining communication to better understand your client's unique situation and build a strong defense on your client's behalf.
Adhering 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 use with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and disabilities.
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 oral communication skills to present arguments persuasively and engage with judges and juries; 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; and technology proficiency skills.
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. Applicants awaiting NC Bar licensure will be considered.
Applicants with experience in criminal district and/or criminal superior court trials is helpful but not required. Spanish language fluency a plus.