Assistant Public Defender

State of North Carolina•Cherokee County Courthous Cherokee, NC

10d•$54,369 - $101,299•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Public Defender, District 43, which consists of Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Cherokee, Clay, Macon, and Graham counties, is seeking multiple qualified individuals to serve as an Assistant Public Defender. Attorneys will likely be assigned to DWI cases and need to be prepared to represent clients with complicated impaired driving cases; and may be assigned to cover treatment court and other initiatives that may arise to better serve our community. All Assistant Public Defenders must be capable of handling difficult cases and clients, while maintaining positive, professional relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public. Attorneys are expected to visit clients in jail, and prison facilities, and travel outside the office to conduct other investigative procedures. Must have a strong desire and commitment to client advocacy and indigent defense. As public service employees, it is expected that all Assistant Public Defenders will engage in community service and participate in outreach programs relevant to the services we are providing, including volunteer programs which occur during evening hours and weekends. Must have valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in North Carolina.
Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
Knowledge of Federal, State, common and constitutional law.
Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of case, statutory, regulatory and common law.
Knowledge of NC General Statutes to defend criminal, and juvenile cases.
Knowledge of legal research.
Strong communication skills to litigate cases in the courtroom.
Exceptional legal research and writing skills.
Interviewing skills.
Organization 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

Applicants with experience in criminal district and/or criminal superior court trials is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Represent clients with complicated impaired driving cases.
Cover treatment court and other initiatives.
Handle difficult cases and clients.
Maintain positive, professional relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.
Visit clients in jail and prison facilities.
Travel outside the office to conduct investigative procedures.
Engage in community service and participate in outreach programs.
Participate in volunteer programs which occur during evening hours and weekends.