Job Opportunites

Attorney / Assistant Public Defender:

Although not currently, The Office of the Public Defender has Openings for an Assistant Public Defender from time to time. The position requires representing a culturally diverse population accused of traffic offenses, probation violations, misdemeanors and felonies in Superior Court as well as writing and arguing appeals in the CNMI Supreme Court.

The applicant must possess a J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school and be admitted to practice law in a state or territory in good standing such that he or she is eligible for a four-year temporary admittance to the CNMI Bar Association and at least three years of criminal experience with good legal writing and research skills. This position will focus on jury trials, bench trials, an extensive motion practice with some appellate work possible. Our body of law is still growing and there are areas not yet settled. This can be an interesting and rewarding life style and practice for the right person, but it’s not for everyone.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Handle all aspects of criminal defense with an emphasis on bench and jury trials in misdemeanor and felony cases with some writing and arguing appeals.
  2. Represent clients at preliminary matters such as bail hearings, Gerstein hearings, Rule 5 hearings, preliminary hearings and arraignments.
  3. Prepare and argue pretrial motions such as suppression and evidentiary motions as well as post-conviction motions.
  4. Represent clients at status conferences, change of plea hearings, trials and sentencing hearings.
  5. Conduct investigations and interview witnesses.
  6. Give legal advice to clients.
  7. Negotiate with opposing counsel.
  8. Writing and arguing appeals in the CNMI Supreme court.

Salary: $45,000 to $63,000.

Benefits: The office will pay round trip relocation expenses. Group health and life insurance is offered as well as 14 annual paid holidays and paid leave at an accrued rate of one day per two week pay period (about four weeks a year).

 If interested in a career and an adventure,  please contact Doug Hartig