Assistant Public Defender

Closing Date: 7th December, 2025

Description:

About Us:
Do Your Career Justice! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work:
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $72,000.00

Under the supervision of the Public Defender, District 4, which consists of Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties, the Assistant Public Defender job responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: represent clients in criminal district and superior court; meet with and interview clients in preparation for court appearance; prepare and file appropriate motions; submit necessary investigation requests to appropriate investigator; research and utilize all applicable law; visit incarcerated clients regularly. This position will be located in Craven County.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

• Knowledge: Candidate must have knowledge of Federal and State, constitutional, N.C. General Statutes, and common law necessary to defend criminal cases, knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures, knowledge of the rules of evidence, and legal research methods.
• Skills: Candidate must be extremely organized and detailed with documentation of case files and able to multi- task. Candidate must have strong communication, writing, interviewing and organizational skills. Candidate must be self-motivated and demonstrate competent and effective advocacy skills.
• Ability: Candidate must be able to analyze facts, law, and related written documents and apply applicable law appropriately; conduct legal research; plan, develop, and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results; prepare, organize, and conduct witness direct and cross examinations; deliver opening statements; closing arguments, make appropriate evidentiary objections and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner.

Instructions:
Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.


All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Minimum Education and Experience:
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.
• Attach cover letter and resume.

EEO Statement:
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:
Charmaine Leeks

Email:
HumanResources@nccourts.org

---