Staff Attorney I
About The Position
The Office of Staff Counsel at the North Carolina Court of Appeals is seeking qualified candidates for a Staff Attorney I position. The Office of Staff Counsel reviews, summarizes, and recommends dispositions of petitions and motions filed with the Court of Appeals. The Office also assists the Court's juvenile case panels by drafting opinions in abuse, neglect, dependency cases, as well as termination of parental rights cases. The position reports to the General Counsel. The Office is located in the Court of Appeals building in downtown Raleigh. The Office maintains a collegial environment where attorneys and staff collaborate to move the work of the Court and the Office forward. Attorneys are entrusted to work independently on assignments to meet the demands and deadlines of the Court. While the Office allows part-time telework and telework flexibility for illness, family/household emergencies and other one-time events, full-time remote work is not offered with this position. New attorneys are expected to come into the office every day and meet work product goals prior to beginning part-time telework. Telework is at the discretion of the General Counsel and can be altered at any time to fulfill the needs of the Office.
Requirements
- Knowledge of: appellate practice; case law of the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the Court of Appeals; NC Rules of Appellate and Civil Procedure; federal statutes and case law; legal terminology and procedures; and information systems and court technology.
- Skills in: interpersonal relations; problem solving; resource and time management; multitasking; attention to detail and organization; appellate procedures; effective oral and written communication.
- Ability to: conduct legal research and analysis; draft appellate opinions; work independently; communicate orally and in writing; recognize and solve problems; and apply word processing skills.
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school, a license to practice law in North Carolina and at least one year of clerkship experience.
- Applicants who are in a current clerkship or have completed a clerkship and are sitting for the February 2026 North Carolina bar exam will be considered.
Nice To Haves
- Management prefers the clerkship experience to be from the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Supreme Court, a North Carolina Business Court, or a federal clerkship.
- A cover letter is not required for this position, but an applicant may submit one to further explain their qualifications or motivations to seek the position.
- Applicants should attach a résumé, 2-3 personal references, and a writing sample.
Responsibilities
- Summarize petitions for prerogative writs and motions for temporary stays.
- Conduct necessary legal research to recommend dispositions.
- Draft orders effectuating rulings on petitions and motions.
- Draft proposed opinions for abuse, neglect, dependency and termination of parental rights cases.
- Consult with and answer questions from judges on petitions and draft opinions.
- Prepare memoranda for the Office of Staff Counsel and the Court on various issues.
- Assist the Office and the Court with special projects as needed.
Benefits
- Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
