Assistant Public Defender

State of North Carolina

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school
Active license to practice law in North Carolina, or in process to obtain North Carolina licensure.
Applicants currently pending bar results and take the July Bar Exam will also be considered.
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.
Strong communication, interviewing, organization, and punctuality skills.
Ability to analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and related written documents and apply applicable law to those facts.
Ability to conduct legal research.
Ability to plan, develop and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results.
Ability to prepare, organize and conduct witness examinations.
Ability to deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections.
Ability to express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner.

Nice To Haves

Resume
Cover letter

Responsibilities

Representing indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in District and Superior Court.
Advocating for client's rights and interests prior to and during court proceedings, hearings, and trials.
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.
Handling duties in managing indigent defendants’ court cases.
Providing legal representation and consultation to clients, while evaluating cases utilizing logic and reasoning.
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.