Staff Attorney

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The University of North Carolina, School of Law aspires to be a great public law school. Toward this end, it pursues a fourfold mission: to prepare outstanding lawyers and leaders for the bar, the bench, all public and private law settings, and public service; to make nationally and internationally significant legal and policy contributions through an ambitious agenda of research and scholarship; to instill lifelong ethical values, dedication to the cause of justice and a lasting commitment to pro bono and public service; and, to serve the legal profession, the people and institutions of North Carolina, the nation and the world.

UNC School of Law is deeply committed to providing a welcoming community for students from all backgrounds. As the law school at the first public university in the country, our focus on public service and teaching excellence makes it crucial that we reflect and embrace the diversity of the communities we serve. Diversity of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression and identity, ideology, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, educational and cultural backgrounds, work experiences and veterans' status all enrich our community, connecting us with a variety of perspectives and ideas that strengthen our teaching, learning, and service.

The UNC School of Law Clinical Programs ('Clinical Programs') provides academic credit to approximately 100 second- and third-year law students for serving as certified legal interns. Working under the supervision of faculty members who are licensed attorneys, clinic students offer free representation to under-resourced individual and organizational clients in North Carolina. The Clinical Programs have a dual mission: to equip law students with the skills and habits of mind to be excellent, ethical attorneys and to provide access to justice to North Carolinians who could not otherwise afford counsel.

UNC fulfills this twofold mission through the operation of our eleven in-house clinics, in which students do litigation and transactional work, as well as policy and legislative advocacy. Each clinic offers the opportunity for students to hone interviewing, counseling, and negotiation skills, while simultaneously developing an authentic professional identity and learning self-reflection.

The Staff Attorney will work in conjunction with clinic faculty to further the Clinical Programs' educational and access-to-justice missions. The position involves a mix of litigation, training, and research. During the summer and winter breaks, the Staff Attorney will take over the dockets of tenured and tenure-track faculty teaching in the clinic. During the school year, the Staff Attorney will continue representing clients; train faculty and students on discrete topics in which the Staff Attorney has special expertise; supervise pro bono projects; review and develop administrative policies and procedures to conform with applicable legal regulations and professional norms; and serve as an ambassador to the broader legal services community. The Staff Attorney will also assist in Clinical Programs curricular development and teaching when needed.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Juris Doctorate required with two years or greater of related professional experience.

At least 5 years lawyering experience.

Demonstrated excellence in lawyering skills, including civil litigation strategy, written discovery, depositions, hearings or trials, negotiation, and settlement.

Demonstrated excellence in organizational and time-management skills.

Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills, including with internal memoranda, pleadings and briefs, and communications with clients and third parties.

Demonstrated excellence in legal research and analysis.

Demonstrated ability to work well with others, including in a team and with clients and community members. Previous litigation experience in the State of North Carolina.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.