Transitions in Defender Work at the School of Government

Dear Friends, I am writing to let you know of some changes in the work we do at the School of Government for defenders and others who work in the North Carolina court system. The short version is this: I will go half-time beginning July 1 this year; the School intends to hire a new faculty member to work in criminal law, with a focus on issues affecting defenders; and Phil Dixon will become the director of the Public Defense Education program at the School. Read on for more details. On July 1, I enter “phased retirement” at UNC, which allows me to work half-time for the next three years. It’s not really retirement, yet, but I get to work less. I will continue to teach, write, and consult in areas in which I have gained some expertise, including self-defense, mental health issues in criminal cases (including capacity to proceed), right to counsel, and expunctions and collateral consequences. I look forward to continuing to work with you in these areas. The best way to reach me remains via my email, rubin@sog.unc.edu. With the reduction in my hours and the work I handle, the School is refilling my position with a new faculty member. You can see the position announcement here. As has been the case with the work I have done over the years, the position will focus on teaching, writing, and consulting on issues of importance for defenders. It will include work for newer defenders, such as training for misdemeanor [...]