Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender (NS)

SALARY RANGE: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00

Come join a new office in District 32, serving Alexander and Iredell Counties. This position will serve Iredell County and is located less than an hour from Charlotte and is home to a variety of activities. For those who want to scale new heights and conquer outdoor challenges: hiking, rock climbing, dirt biking, ATVing, 4x4 trails and motocross are easily accessible. If water activities are your preference, Lake Norman is nearby for boating, kayaking and fishing. Iredell County also has a variety of museums and historical sites that are available for exploration and education. Regardless of your preference, you can enjoy the quaintness of Iredell County while still being near to Charlotte.

This position will be responsible for representing indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in District and Superior Court.

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, understand and address client concerns and build a strong defense on the client's behalf.
• Adhering to ethical standards and legal responsibilities in the practice of law.

This position includes handling duties in managing indigent defendants' court cases. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Providing legal representation and consultation to clients, while evaluating cases utilizing logic and reasoning.

Position includes effectively representing clients during criminal investigative proceedings, preparing a defense based on strengths and weaknesses of case facts; researching and identifying precedence in case law; utilizing and evaluating legal research, and case preparation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES:

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, juvenile cases, and legal research methods.

Skills: Strong communication, interviewing, organization, and punctuality.

Ability: 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, or in process to obtain North Carolina licensure. Management prefers candidates with 5+ years of experience. Please attach a resume 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.