The Office of the Public Defender, District 5, is seeking NC licensed attorneys, or persons who are awaiting licensure/bar results to commence immediately upon licensure. This position will be responsible for representing indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in District and Superior Court, working in both Duplin and Jones County. Attorneys are expected to visit clients at the jail and in prison facilities, and to travel outside the office to conduct other investigative procedures.
Come join a new office in District 5 as an Assistant Public Defender! If you are seeking the peacefulness of rural living with easy access to more urban areas, Duplin and Jones County has it. Both counties are known for hometown hospitality, its beautiful countryside, and open space. The beautiful Atlantic Coast is nearby, and local beaches are plentiful for a day trip or a long weekend.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
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.
Maintain communication to better understand each client's unique situation and building a strong defense on your client's behalf.
Adhere to ethical standards and legal responsibilities in the practice of laws.
Be cross-trained and capable of handling all casework required to provide quality legal services for indigent clients; and capable of handling difficult cases while maintaining positive professional relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.
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. 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.