Assistant District Attorney - Entry Level

State of North Carolina•New Hanover County, NC

About The Position

The Office of the District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 6, seeks an entry-level attorney to prosecute criminal cases in a fast-paced courtroom. The role offers opportunities for growth, training, mentorship, and hands-on litigation experience. Candidates who recently sat for the July bar will be considered. No prior criminal law experience is required; the office seeks candidates with a strong work ethic and a desire to seek justice. The attorney prosecutes misdemeanor cases, screens incoming cases, researches applicable law, prepares cases for trial, drafts and files motions, and manages dockets to resolve cases on time. The role may require occasional travel to other counties to assist with dockets and overnight travel for training.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in North Carolina; candidates who recently sat for the July bar will be considered.
Knowledge of federal, state, common, and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case, statutory, and common law; North Carolina General Statutes; the NC court system; legal research methods and tools; evidentiary information-gathering principles; and ethical and professional standards.
Ability to interpret and apply criminal laws, analyze facts and legal materials, conduct legal research, and develop effective litigation strategies.
Skill in interviewing witnesses, evaluating case facts, using electronic legal research systems, organizing work, setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction.
Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing; solve problems; handle sensitive situations tactfully; and work independently.
Strong work ethic and desire to seek justice.
Complete an online application and attach a cover letter and résumé; résumés are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Responsibilities

Prosecute misdemeanor cases in a fast-paced courtroom.
Screen incoming cases and assess the strengths and weaknesses of case facts.
Research and identify precedent in case law using electronic legal research and other tools.
Prepare cases for trial and write and file appropriate motions.
Manage dockets efficiently and resolve cases in a timely manner.
Negotiate plea agreements.
Plan, develop, and execute litigation strategies.
Prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements and closing arguments; and make evidentiary objections.
Write reports, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
Work cooperatively with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other participants in the criminal justice process.
Travel occasionally to other counties to assist with dockets and travel overnight for training.