Assistant Public Defender

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: $56,000.00 - $104,338.00 The Office of the Public Defender, District 43, which consists of Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Cherokee, Clay, Macon, and Graham counties, is seeking multiple qualified individuals to serve as an Assistant Public Defender. Attorneys will likely be assigned to DWI cases and need to be prepared to represent clients with complicated impaired driving cases; and may be assigned to cover treatment court and other initiatives that may arise to better serve our community. All Assistant Public Defenders must be capable of handling difficult cases and clients, while maintaining positive, professional relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public. Attorneys are expected to visit clients in jail, and prison facilities, and travel outside the office to conduct other investigative procedures. Must have a strong desire and commitment to client advocacy and indigent defense. As public service employees, it is expected that all Assistant Public Defenders will engage in community service and participate in outreach programs relevant to the services we are providing, including volunteer programs which occur during evening hours and weekends. Must have valid North Carolina Driver's License. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences 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, and juvenile cases, and legal research. Skills in: strong communication skills to litigate cases in the courtroom, exceptional legal research and writing skills, 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 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. 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. 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. Benefits Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. Additional Information All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. NC Administrative Office of the Courts Human Resources Division #J-18808-Ljbffr