Attorney IV

State of North Carolina•114 West Edenton Street Wake, NC

1d•$96,513 - $115,937

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Justice is hiring an Attorney IV for its Capital Litigation Section. The position provides specialized, statewide representation of the State of North Carolina in appellate and post-conviction litigation involving cases in which a sentence of death has been imposed, and provides advice and assistance to District Attorneys in capital prosecutions. The Section is the State’s principal repository of expertise in capital litigation and works to ensure consistent, experienced, and effective representation throughout the lengthy and complex review process for capital cases. The attorney represents the State in direct capital appeals, state post-conviction litigation, and federal habeas corpus proceedings. The role includes preparing briefs, presenting oral arguments, responding to petitions and other requests for relief, and conducting or handling evidentiary hearings and factual development in state and federal courts. The attorney may also handle communications to the Office of the Attorney General from other states and the general public concerning capital punishment in North Carolina. Some travel, including occasional overnight stays, is required. This is a time-limited position subject to funding availability and may last up to 36 months. Time-limited employees are eligible for State Benefits.

Requirements

Be licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar.
Have four years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.
Criminal litigation experience.

Responsibilities

Represent the State in direct appeals from judgments imposing a sentence of death, including preparing briefs, presenting oral arguments, responding to petitions or other requests for relief, and handling related proceedings before North Carolina appellate courts.
Represent the State in post-conviction proceedings involving a capital conviction or sentence, including motions for appropriate relief and other collateral challenges in superior courts, related petitions and appeals in North Carolina appellate courts, and requests for review in other courts.
Handle evidentiary hearings and factual development necessary to defend capital convictions and sentences, and retain responsibility for cases throughout the proceedings.
Represent the State in federal habeas corpus proceedings challenging North Carolina capital convictions or death sentences, including district-court proceedings, applications for certificates of appealability, appeals before the Fourth Circuit, rehearing petitions, and proceedings before the United States Supreme Court.
Research and prepare the State’s briefs and present oral arguments in capital cases before the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Assist local District Attorneys with complex capital post-conviction litigation, including investigation, briefing, and hearings at the Superior Court level.
Handle written or oral communications directed to the Office of the Attorney General from other states and the general public relating to capital punishment in North Carolina.
Provide advice and assistance to District Attorneys in capital prosecutions.