Assistant District Attorney

About the role

• Agency
• District Attorney
• Division
• DISTRICT ATTORNEY 2
• Job Classification Title
• Assistant District Attorney (NS)
• Position Number
• 60006999
• Grade
• 30013281

Salary Range

$56,000.00 - $104,338.00

Location: Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties

Are you an experienced prosecutor looking for meaningful work in a community where your efforts have a direct and lasting impact? Join our dedicated team at the Office of the District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 2 - a rural, close-knit region in Eastern North Carolina where professional challenge meets a high quality of life.

District 2 spans a diverse landscape shaped by the Pamlico River, Pamlico Sound, and Albemarle Sound. The area offers a unique blend of small-town connections, natural beauty, abundant outdoor recreation, and the opportunity to serve communities that rely deeply on their prosecutors to uphold fairness, safety, and trust.

What You'll Do

• Prosecute criminal cases in District and Superior Court, including handling jury trials based on your level of experience.
• Review case files, analyze factual and legal issues, and exercise sound judgment in charging decisions and trial strategies.
• Research case law and develop legal arguments to support motions, briefs, and trial preparation.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, victims, and witnesses to build strong, well-supported cases.
• Negotiate plea agreements when appropriate and represent the State with professionalism in all court proceedings.
• Conduct witness examinations, present evidence, deliver opening and closing statements, and manage evidentiary issues with confidence and skill.
• Use effective problem-solving, clear communication, and practical decision-making in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.

What We Offer

• A unique rural lifestyle with a strong work-life balance and year-round outdoor opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hunting.
• Deep community impact with meaningful engagement and trust-building across the district.
• Collaborative office culture offering support, teamwork, and shared problem-solving.
• Immediate courtroom responsibility aligned with your experience level.
• Ongoing mentorship and numerous no-cost professional training programs.
• Opportunities to grow your litigation and prosecutorial skills in a diverse caseload environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of: federal, state, common, and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case, statutory, and common law; NC General Statutes to prosecute criminal cases; judicial and quasi-judicial procedures; legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools; the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in trial court processes, protocols, and strategies; the operations of the NC court system; and ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Skill in: interpreting and applying complex criminal laws to information, evidence, and other data; listening techniques used in interviewing witnesses; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of case facts; researching and identifying precedence in case law; utilizing and evaluating electronic legal research and online systems; negotiating plea agreements; organizing work; setting priorities; meeting critical deadlines; and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.

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; express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner; argue clearly, logically, and persuasively; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other participants in the criminal justice process; recognize and solve problems; produce legal interpretations in a quick and responsive manner for court officials; write reports, motions, briefs, and other legal documents; deal tactfully with sensitive situations; communicate both orally and in writing; and work independently.

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. Resumes 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.

• Carefully review the FAQs if you experience difficulty with the application process or attaching documents.
• All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

• Charmaine J. Leeks
• NC Administrative Office of the Courts
• Human Resources Division

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 Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and license to practice law in North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior prosecution or significant litigation experience.
• Commitment to public service, community safety, and ethical prosecution.
• In addition to the State Application, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any supporting materials to begin the next step in your prosecutorial career.