Attorney Manager II

State of North Carolina•Wake County, NC

23h

About The Position

The Attorney Manager II leads and supervises the Capital Litigation Section and directs North Carolina’s representation in capital appellate and post-conviction litigation. The position serves as the Department’s principal subject-matter expert on capital litigation and ensures consistent, experienced, and effective representation of the State throughout state and federal review of capital convictions and sentences. The manager supervises the section’s seven other attorneys and staff, overseeing direct appeals in capital cases, state post-conviction proceedings (including motions for appropriate relief), federal habeas corpus litigation, and assistance to district attorneys in capital prosecutions. The manager assigns and reviews cases, provides strategic and legal guidance on complex matters, and ensures consistency and quality in the State’s litigation positions. The position represents the State in direct appeals from death sentences, state post-conviction proceedings and related appeals, and federal habeas corpus proceedings. Federal matters may involve proceedings in the U.S. District Courts for North Carolina’s Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts; the Fourth Circuit; and the U.S. Supreme Court. Some travel, including occasional overnight stays, is required. The selected candidate is subject to a background investigation. These are time-limited positions, subject to funding availability, that may last up to 36 months. Time-limited employees are eligible for State benefits.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar.
Five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.
Knowledge of federal and state case law and statutory law.
Ability to assist subordinates with courtroom litigation.
Ability to independently conduct high-level courtroom litigation.
Some travel, including occasional overnight stays, is required.
Subject to a background investigation.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise the Capital Litigation Section, including its seven other attorneys and staff.
Direct the State’s representation in capital appellate and post-conviction litigation.
Assign and review cases and provide strategic and legal guidance on complex capital matters.
Ensure consistency and quality in the State’s litigation positions.
Represent the State in direct appeals from judgments imposing death sentences, including briefing, oral arguments, responses to petitions or other relief, and related proceedings before North Carolina appellate courts.
Represent the State in capital state post-conviction proceedings, including motions for appropriate relief and other collateral challenges in superior courts, related appellate proceedings, and petitions for certiorari or other review.
Handle or oversee evidentiary hearings and factual development to defend capital convictions and sentences, with section attorneys retaining responsibility for cases throughout 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, Fourth Circuit matters, and proceedings before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Provide advice and assistance to district attorneys in capital prosecutions.