The Office of the Public Defender, District 27A (Gaston County), seeks an attorney to defend criminal cases as an Assistant Public Defender in District Court. The ideal candidate must have at least 3 years’ experience in criminal law and some superior court experience.
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Evaluate incoming cases using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of case facts; research and identify precedence in case law; utilize and evaluate legal research; prepare cases for trial; write and file appropriate motions; organize work; set priorities; meet critical deadlines; follow up on assignments; meet with clients.
Knowledge of: Federal, State, common and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case, statutory, regulatory and common law; NC General Statutes to defend criminal cases; judicial and quasi-judicial procedures; and legal research methods.
Skills in: strong communication, writing, interviewing, and organization.
Ability to: analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and related written documents and apply applicable law to those facts; conduct legal research; plan, develop and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results; prepare, organize and conduct witness examinations; deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections; and express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.
The ideal candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in criminal law and some superior court experience. Spanish language fluency a plus.