Assistant Public Defender

SALARY GRADE:  Flat Rated

This position is being reposted.  Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

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, specifically in Duplin 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 County has what you are looking for!  Duplin County is known for its hometown hospitality, beautiful countryside, and small-town charm.

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.  A high level of technology and computer knowledge is essential.

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.

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.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

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.

Carefully review the FAQs if you experience difficulty with the application process or attaching documents. For technical issues with applications or attachments, call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.

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. To learn more, click on these links:

E-Verify Participation

E-Verify Participation (Spanish)

Right to Work

Right to Work (Spanish)

Charmaine J. Leeks

NC Administrative Office of the Courts

Human Resources Division

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