Join Our Team

North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services, Inc., located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is seeking attorneys to help protect the constitutional and civil rights of people incarcerated in NC state prisons.

Civil Team - Staff Attorney

NCPLS is a nonprofit, public interest law firm founded in 1978 that provides free legal services to incarcerated people. The Civil Team is dedicated to improving incarcerated people’s conditions of confinement through litigation and advocacy across a range of issues, including inadequate medical care, excessive use of force, failure to protect incarcerated people from harm, and sexual assault.

The Civil Staff Attorney will play a leading role in the litigation of individual claims on behalf of incarcerated people, from fact-gathering and initial case research through discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial. In addition, the attorney will assist clients that have filed pro se federal civil rights claims with discrete phases of their litigation, including discovery and mediation. The attorney will also respond to client intake letters to advise incarcerated people about how they can navigate prison procedures and the law to improve their conditions of confinement.

Job Requirements:

  1. Present or pending admission to the North Carolina Bar, or admission to the bar of another state and agreement to become admitted to the North Carolina Bar within six months of hire;

  2. Civil Litigation Experience (preferred);

  3. Experience or interest in correctional or civil rights issues;

  4. Ability to engage in complex legal analysis, research, and fact finding;

  5. Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively;

  6. Ability to work with a wide range of people and foster a team environment;

  7. Strong attention to detail;

  8. Project management and organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;

  9. Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and manage a caseload; and

  10. Ability to interact cooperatively, professionally, and effectively with coworkers, clients, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and jail/prison staff.

Post-Conviction Team - Staff Attorney

North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services in Raleigh seeks a motivated attorney to champion the constitutional rights of people incarcerated in North Carolina. Our post-conviction team evaluates claims of incarcerated people who pled guilty or were convicted at trial for offenses ranging from DWIs to first-degree murder. PLS attorneys litigate cases where we can make a difference, and have been successful in reducing prison sentences, securing new trials for our clients, and exonerating the innocent.

The Ideal Applicant:

  • Must be licensed to practice law in North Carolina prior to beginning work;

  • Demonstrates interest in advocating for indigent clients;

  • Is able to engage in complex legal analysis, research, and fact finding;

  • Is able to write and speak clearly and persuasively;

  • Is able to work with a wide range of people and foster a team environment;

  • Possesses strong attention to detail;

  • Demonstrates the ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and manage a caseload;

  • Is able to interact cooperatively, professionally, and effectively with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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Salary & Benefits:

The salary range is $50,500-$69,000 (depending on legal experience). 

NCPLS provides excellent benefits including: generous annual leave, mileage reimbursement, licensure and CLE funding, employer funded 403(b) retirement plan, and 100% employer paid medical, dental & vision coverage as well as life insurance for the employee. NCPLS also provides a flexible hybrid working environment.

How to Apply:

Attach application materials through Indeed or email the following documents to hrdirector@ncpls.org

  • Cover Letter (explaining why you want to work with/for indigent clients)

  • Resume

  • Writing Sample

NCPLS is an equal opportunity employer. NCPLS values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. NCPLS encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran or former incarceration status. People who have had prior contact or experience with the criminal justice system or prison systems are encouraged to apply.

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Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NCPLS encourages you to apply if you are enthusiastic about the opportunity but your experiences don't perfectly align. You may be the right candidate for this or other available roles.