Criminal & Traffic Defense Associate Attorney

Location: Kinston, North Carolina
Employment Type: Full-Time
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Traffic Defense, and Court-Appointed Representation
Counties Served: Lenoir, Greene, Wayne, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina counties

Our client is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its growing practice in Kinston, North Carolina. This position is designed for an attorney who wants to develop strong courtroom skills and build a career in criminal defense.

The role offers hands-on experience with court appearances, direct client representation, negotiations with prosecutors, and increasingly complex criminal cases. New law school graduates are encouraged to apply. Our client is willing to train an attorney who demonstrates professionalism, a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in becoming an effective trial lawyer.

The Associate Attorney will primarily handle criminal and traffic matters in Lenoir, Greene, and Wayne Counties. The attorney will be expected to pursue eligibility for and participate on applicable court-appointed counsel lists in those counties.

The caseload is expected to include both court-appointed and privately retained matters. The attorney will initially focus on traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and lower-level felony cases, with opportunities to take on more serious and complex felony matters as experience and proficiency develop.

• Represent clients in North Carolina District and Superior Courts.

• Handle traffic citations, criminal traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and lower-level felony matters.

• Pursue and maintain eligibility for applicable court-appointed counsel lists in Lenoir, Greene, and Wayne Counties.

• Conduct client interviews and consultations.

• Review discovery, police reports, body-camera footage, witness statements, laboratory reports, and other evidence.

• Identify factual, constitutional, evidentiary, and procedural issues.

• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies and defenses.

• Negotiate with assistant district attorneys and other prosecutors.

• Evaluate plea offers and communicate them to clients.

• Prepare and file motions and other court documents.

• Prepare for and conduct District Court trials.

• Prepare for Superior Court proceedings as experience develops.

• Participate in jury-trial preparation and, with appropriate experience and supervision, conduct jury trials.

• Prepare witnesses for hearings and trials.

• Advocate for clients during sentencing hearings.

• Communicate regularly with clients about the status of their cases.

• Maintain accurate case notes, deadlines, court dates, and case-management records.

• Appear promptly and professionally for scheduled court proceedings.

• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff.

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• Admission to the North Carolina State Bar, or eligibility to obtain admission.

• Interest in criminal defense, traffic defense, and courtroom advocacy.

• Strong communication, legal research, and writing skills.

• Professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong work ethic.

• Ability to manage case responsibilities, deadlines, and client communications.

• Willingness to learn, accept guidance, and take on increasingly complex matters as experience develops.

New graduates are encouraged to apply. Prior criminal defense experience is not required; training and professional development are part of the opportunity.

This position offers an opportunity to build practical courtroom experience, develop a criminal-defense caseload, and progress toward handling more complex cases and trial work over time.

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