1

Assistant District Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Assistant District Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$36K

$79.6K

$145.3K

How much do assistant district attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant district attorney in Raleigh, NC is $79,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $90,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Assistant District Attorneys face when managing their caseloads?

Assistant District Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases with varying levels of complexity, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing court appearances, motion practice, and meetings with victims or law enforcement can be demanding, especially when preparing for trial deadlines. Additionally, handling sensitive cases and making prosecutorial decisions under public scrutiny can add emotional and ethical challenges. Support from colleagues and clear communication within the office are vital for managing these pressures effectively.

What is the difference between Assistant District Attorney vs Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant District AttorneyProsecutor
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar licenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar license
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, legal teamsGovernment agencies, courts, legal offices
Industry UsageCommonly used in local government, district attorney's officesUsed broadly for legal prosecutors at various government levels

Both Assistant District Attorneys and Prosecutors require a JD and state licensure. Assistant District Attorneys typically work within district attorney's offices handling criminal cases, while Prosecutors may operate at different government levels. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Assistant District Attorney' specifically refers to those working under the District Attorney's office.

What does an Assistant District Attorney do?

An Assistant District Attorney (ADA) is a public prosecutor who represents the government in criminal cases at the county or district level. ADAs review evidence, decide whether to bring charges, and conduct prosecutions in court. Their duties include preparing cases, negotiating plea bargains, presenting evidence, and working closely with law enforcement. They play a key role in ensuring justice is served within their jurisdiction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant District Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant District Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar licensure, and a strong grasp of criminal law, trial procedure, and legal research. Familiarity with case management software, legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and courtroom technology is essential. Outstanding oral advocacy, ethical judgment, and the ability to work under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective prosecution, upholding of justice, and strong public trust in the legal system.

What Is an Assistant District Attorney?

An assistant district attorney (ADA) is a member of law enforcement who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the city or county district attorney’s office.There are many different types of ADAs and positions depend on experience and specialty, such as civil or criminal law. Your primary duties as an assistant district attorney are to review all the evidence in a particular criminal case and decide whether or not to proceed with a criminal prosecution against the defendant. You interview police officers, witnesses, victims, and specialists about the case and consult with the district attorney before deciding to go forward, offer a plea, or drop the case.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant District Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Assistant District Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant District Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant District Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Assistant District Attorney jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Assistant District Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant District Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,587 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Open and Continuous

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys

Raleigh, NC • On-site, Remote

$65K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Summary
This vacancy announcement will remain open until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a periodic basis, with the first review scheduled for April 6, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by this date for full consideration. Additional selections may be made from this announcement as needed.
For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Assistant U.S Attorneys prosecute a wide variety of federal crime, including breaches of national security, child exploitation, public corruption, transnational organized crime, and violent crime. The positions currently being filled will investigate and prosecute cases involving illegal immigration, illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, and targeting the Cartels and Transitional Criminal Organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
This is an open continuous announcement that is intended to continually solicit applications in order to fill immediate and future vacancies. Vacant positions may or may not be available at the time of application. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur and will only remain active for seven (5) months from the date of submission. Applicants will be notified when their applications have been reviewed/referred for further consideration.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
The mission of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina is to pursue justice as we represent the United States in civil and criminal litigation in the most effective and efficient manner possible; to provide leadership in our interaction with all federal, state and local law enforcement and to serve as a liaison between them; and to foster public trust and confidence in law enforcement and the federal judicial system.
Applicants must demonstrate superior analytical ability; have strong research, writing, and courtroom skills; independently exercise fair and sound judgment; follow all Department of Justice and United States Attorney's Office policies; exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and law enforcement agencies; interact professionally and effectively with opposing counsel; handle matters in court persuasively and justly on behalf of the United States of America; commitment to public service and be devoted to excellence
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
United States citizenship is required.
Proof of active bar membership is required.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; situational telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Travel: Occasional travel within and outside the district will be required.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
EEO Statement: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.