Assistant Public Defender

$80,000 - $100,000/Yr

State of North Carolina

Full-time - Entry Level

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Assistant Public Defender position in Duplin County, NC, is a permanent full-time role focused on providing legal representation to indigent clients in various legal matters. The Duplin County Office of the Public Defender is dedicated to representing individuals in criminal court, juvenile defense, and cases involving parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency matters. The attorneys in this office are expected to handle a diverse range of cases, including district and superior court cases, treatment court, mental health court, and first appearances. This role requires a strong commitment to client advocacy and indigent defense, with attorneys expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity while managing a demanding caseload. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school and hold an active license to practice law in North Carolina. The position demands strong legal research and writing skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in court. Attorneys will be required to visit clients in jail and prison facilities, conduct investigations, and engage in community service and outreach programs. The office values diversity and aims to create a staff that reflects the varied backgrounds and needs of the clients served. Although primarily assigned to the Duplin office, attorneys may also need to report to the Sampson and Jones offices for training and meetings. The ideal candidate will have experience in representing adults in criminal court and juvenile defense, as well as familiarity with handling cases involving parents in abuse and neglect situations. A strong desire to advocate for clients and a commitment to public service are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal and juvenile delinquency matters in district and superior court.
• Handle cases involving parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents for court proceedings.
• Visit clients in jail and prison facilities to provide legal counsel.
• Engage in community service and participate in outreach programs relevant to indigent defense.
• Represent clients in treatment court, mental health court, and first appearances.
• Maintain a high volume caseload while ensuring quality legal representation.
• Collaborate with co-workers and maintain positive professional relationships.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in North Carolina.
• Experience in representing adults in criminal court and juvenile defense.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and litigate cases in court.
• Persuasive communication, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with federal, state, common, and constitutional law.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Nice-to-haves

• Spanish language fluency is preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 annually.
• Opportunity to engage in community service and outreach programs.