Assistant Public Defender

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About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day North Carolinas 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 7000 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

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

This position will be responsible for representing indigent persons charged with misdemeanor and low-level felony criminal offenses in Bertie and Hertford County. District 7 includes Bertie Halifax Hertford and Northampton Counties and offers several valuable benefits: State Health Plan and Full State Employee Benefits Package Retirement Plans CLE opportunities and free trainings Annual Public Defender Conference Public Service Loan Forgiveness based on federal eligibility requirements expert forensic resourcesand more.

Responsibilities include:

• Advocate for clients 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 defenders office investigators and support staff.
• Handle administrative tasks related to caseload management document preparation and other responsibilities within the public defenders 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 clients unique situation and build a strong defense on your clients 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; 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 willnotbe accepted.

Before applying please read theOnline Employment Application Guidefor 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 applicationbeforesubmitting 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 employees 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

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.

Applicants awaiting NC Bar licensure will be considered.

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.

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