We are seeking NC licensed attorneys with experience in representing adults in Superior and District Criminal Courts and juvenile defense.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The Office of the Public Defender-5th District (Duplin, Jones, & Sampson) represents indigent clients in all criminal and juvenile delinquency matters, and parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency matters, and in civil contempt matters. Attorneys will represent indigent criminal clients in district and superior court. Lawyers must be cross-trained and capable of handling all casework required provide quality legal services for indigent clients. Additionally, the applicant will be required to represent clients during first appearances.
All applicants must have a strong desire and commitment to client advocacy and indigent defense. Attorney must be attentive to detail, organized, possess an ability to effectively communicate and litigate cases in the courtroom and have exceptional legal research and writing skills. A high level of technology and computer knowledge is essential.
All Assistant Public Defenders must be capable of handling difficult cases and clients, while maintaining positive professional relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public. Attorneys are expected to visit clients at the jail and in prison facilities, and to travel outside the office to conduct other investigative procedures.
As a public service employees, it is expected that all Assistant Public Defenders will engage in community service and participate in outreach programs relevant to the services we are providing, including volunteer programs which occur during evenings and weekends.
The Office of the Public Defender-5th District (Duplin, Jones, & Sampson) strives to create a diverse staff with expertise and interest in serving our indigent clients who come to us with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and disabilities.
Although attorneys are specifically assigned to the Sampson office, there may be occasions when attorneys are required to report to the Duplin and Jones offices for training, meetings, and other work obligations.
Applications must be submitted via the online portal for consideration. Application deadline is 7/31/25 at 5pm Eastern.