Agency Indigent Defense Services Division PUBLIC DEFENDER 7 DISTRICT Job Classification Title Assistant Public Defender (NS) Position Number 65038348 Grade 30013288
About Us
DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay. Description of Work SALARY RANGE: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 (based upon experience level) Seeking Experienced NC licensed attorneys. Experienced Assistant Public Defender – Felony Division (Halifax County) The North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services is seeking an experienced attorney to join the District 7 Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender assigned primarily to felony representation in Halifax County. This position is ideal for a seasoned criminal defense attorney who is passionate about protecting constitutional rights, trying complex cases, and serving a rural community where skilled advocates make a meaningful difference every day. As a member of our collaborative team, you will represent indigent clients charged with serious felony offenses from appointment through disposition. You will handle a diverse felony caseload, litigate motions, negotiate resolutions when appropriate, and try cases before juries. You will work alongside experienced attorneys, investigators, client advocates, and community partners committed to providing exceptional, client-centered representation. District 7 serves Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties in northeastern North Carolina. Our office embraces innovation, teamwork, and holistic defense while offering attorneys meaningful courtroom experience and the opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of clients and the communities we serve. Outside the courtroom, you’ll enjoy the quality of life that northeastern North Carolina offers. The Chowan, Roanoke, Middle, and Cashie Rivers provide outstanding opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The Albemarle Sound and the renowned Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course are nearby, and the Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C. are all within easy driving distance. District 7 offers the opportunity to enjoy the peace of a close-knit community while remaining conveniently connected to larger metropolitan areas. This position includes North Carolina State employment benefits, including the State Health Plan, retirement benefits, paid leave, extensive continuing legal education opportunities, the Annual Public Defender Conference, access to expert forensic resources, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program in accordance with federal requirements. If you are an experienced criminal defense attorney seeking a challenging felony practice, meaningful trial work, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of North Carolina’s legal desert communities, we encourage you to apply. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Responsibilities
include: 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. Also, maintain communication to better understand your client’s unique situation and build a strong defense on your client’s behalf. Adhere 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 us with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and disabilities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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: Ability to analyze facts, identify legal issues, and develop strong case strategies; Strong oral communication skills to present arguments persuasively and engage with judges and juries; the ability to 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; 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; communicate in a clear and concise manner. Supplemental and Contact Information: 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. 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. Travis Davis NC Administrative Office of the Courts Human Resources Division http://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers Minimum
Education
and
Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the
Education
and
Experience
Equivalency Guide for details. Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina. Must provide a résumé and cover letter. EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Recruiter: Travis Edward Davis Email: HumanResources@nccourts.org North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing
Education
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Experience
The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the
Education
and
Experience
Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.