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Justice

Public Defender Legal Assistant

Justice, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

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Agency

Indigent Defense Services

Division

PUBLIC DEFENDER 7 DISTRICT

Job Classification Title

Public Defender Legal Assistant (S)

Position Number

65038431

Grade

30013121

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

Salary Range: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00

The Office of the Public Defender, District 7 which consists of Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton counties, seeks a qualified individual to play a critical role in supporting the attorneys of the office. The position combines administrative, case management, and client service responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of the office and the delivery of effective legal defense. Legal Assistants are often the first point of contact for clients and are essential in keeping case information organized, accessible, and up-to-date.

Administrative and Office Support

Manage attorney calendars, schedule appointments, and maintain the office-wide calendar.

Draft, type, and format legal documents, letters, and reports.

File and serve court documents accurately and timely.

Answer, screen, and route incoming calls professionally.

Maintain the file room and ensure case files are properly opened and closed.

Case File and Data Management

Open and assign new client files to Assistant Public Defenders or private appointed counsel as needed.

Enter and update client and case information in the client tracker system.

Track and maintain case deadlines, court dates, and key milestones.

Organize and maintain digital and physical case files, ensuring information is accurate and complete.

Update and manage the attorney work hour spreadsheet to monitor caseloads and hours worked.

Client and Stakeholder Communication

Serve as a liaison between clients and attorneys, providing status updates and scheduling appointments.

Assist clients during intake by collecting documentation and verifying information.

Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

Gather and update contact information for clients, witnesses, and other stakeholders.

Trial Preparation Support

Assist with compiling discovery materials such as police reports, witness statements, and evidence.

Prepare case summaries, subpoenas, and witness lists for hearings and trials.

Coordinate with courts, law enforcement, and other legal professionals as needed.

Office Coordination and Team Support

Provide onboarding support and basic training to new staff on office systems and procedures.

Participate in ongoing training to stay informed about office protocols and legal processes.

Assist attorneys and colleagues with additional administrative tasks as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

High attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Capable of independently handling communications and routing them appropriately.

Knowledge of legal office procedures, filing systems, and court documentation processes.

Supplemental and Contact Information 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.

*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more, click on these links:

E-Verify Participation

E-Verify Participation (Spanish)

Right to Work

Right to Work (Spanish)

Travis Davis

NC Administrative Office of the Courts

Human Resources Division

https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

Minimum Education and Experience High school graduation or equivalency certificate and one (1) year of legal clerical experience.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

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 Travis Davis

Email HumanResources@nccourts.org

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