About the role
Agency
Administrative Office of the CourtsDivision
Administrative Office of the CourtsJob Classification Title
Trial Court Research Assistant (NS)Position Number
60005048Grade
32001652About 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: $69,010.00 - $69,010.00***THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR A SUMMER 2026 START DATE ***
***Fellows serve a set two-year term.***
RECRUITING FOR TWO POSITIONS
The North Carolina Judicial Fellowship provides independent, confidential, and timely legal support for the judges of the District and Superior Court benches of North Carolina with regard to the matters over which those judges preside. The Fellowship assists judges with a wide variety of research and writing projects in all subject matter areas. Fellows conduct both case-specific and generalized issue research, assist in drafting orders, and attend trials and hearings to provide real-time, in-person support. The Fellowship employs a central intake and assignment process, and Fellows work independently and collaboratively to provide quick, accurate, and comprehensive responses. The Fellowship is comprised of attorneys who demonstrate academic excellence and who represent a broad diversity of experience and subject matter familiarity. Fellows serve staggered two-year terms in order to provide for cross-training, continuity of workflow, and predictability of staffing needs. The Fellowship is based at the North Carolina Judicial Center, but Fellows routinely travel to aid judges in courthouses throughout the state.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist judges in evaluating cases filed with the court.
- Conduct legal research on a variety of issues.
- Analyze legal rules and issues.
- Process, research, and advise judges on emergent motion applications.
- Prepare legal memoranda.
- Draft and/or proofread (procedurally and substantively) various orders and judgments in cases involving complex or significant issues.
- Work with judges on complex cases involving difficult and/or novel issues of law.
- Track current developments in the law.
- Assist judges with scheduling and other case management functions in complex civil or constitutional cases upon request.
- Attend status conferences, hearings, and trials throughout the state, both virtually and in-person.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:
Knowledge of: court rules and procedures; case, statutory, regulatory, and common law; general statutes and their application to the operation of the Judicial Branch; judicial procedures; ethical rules and the practical aspects of trial practice; and electronic legal research methods and procedures.
Ability to: analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and written documents and apply them to specific legal issues; produce legal interpretations in a timely and responsive manner for court officials; conduct legal research through the use of the general statutes, case law, and other legal research tools; and interact daily in a professional and tactful manner with court officials, attorneys, and members of the general public.
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.
Travis Davis
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.
Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
An active law license is preferred, but not required.
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 Edward DavisEmail:
HumanResources@nccourts.org
Aplyr's read
The State of North Carolina offers diverse roles in public service, attracting those committed to improving community welfare and state infrastructure.
What's promising
- •Wide range of roles provides opportunities across various sectors including healthcare, engineering, and corrections.
- •Stable employment with benefits typical of government positions, appealing to those seeking job security.
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What to watch
- •Bureaucratic processes may slow decision-making and project implementation.
- •Limited public information about career advancement opportunities within the state government.
- •Potential for political influences to impact job functions and priorities.
Why State of North Carolina
- •Roles like STARBASE Teacher and State Engineer-Mining highlight specialized opportunities.
- •Focus on public service roles directly impacting community health and safety.
- •Employment in correctional facilities offers unique challenges and experiences for those in law enforcement careers.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About State of North Carolina
The State of North Carolina is the government of the U.S. state of North Carolina, providing a range of services to its citizens, including education, public safety, health, and transportation.
