Assistant Public Defender, Pittsboro

Assistant Public Defender (NS)

The Office of the Public Defender, District 18, which consists of Chatham and Orange counties, is seeking a qualified individual to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our Chatham County office. The attorney will likely be assigned to juvenile cases, misdemeanors, low- and high- level felonies. All Assistant Public Defenders must be capable of handling complex cases, and challenging clients while maintaining positive, professional relationships with co-workers, clients and the public. Attorneys are expected to visit clients in jail, prison facilities, travel outside of the office to conduct investigative procedures, and on occasion work evenings or weekends to ensure preparation for court proceedings. Applicants must have a strong desire and commitment to client advocacy and indigent defense. Spanish language fluency is helpful but not required.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; judicial and quasi-judicial procedures; and legal research methods. 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 Requirements: Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina. Management prefers candidates in criminal district and criminal superior court trials. Spanish language fluency is helpful but not required.Attach cover letter and résumé. 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.