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Recent News
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Rate Increases for Private Assigned Counsel
At its August 7 meeting, the IDS Commission voted for an across-the-board rate increase for private assigned counsel. The new rates are effective October 1, 2026. The rates are also posted online at https://www.ncids.org/counsel-rates/ under “Current Hourly Assigned Rates.” As noted above, the rate increase is across the board. Some highlights include: To raise rates […]
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Jason E. Ross is sworn in as the Inaugural Chief Public Defender for the 22nd Judicial District
I am truly honored to serve as the first Chief Public Defender for Judicial District 22. After more than 30 years practicing law in this community, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and to build an office committed to excellence, accountability, and compassionate representation. On October 2, 2026, Jason E. Ross was sworn […]
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Hourly Rate Increases for Private Assigned Counsel Become Effective October 1
The new hourly rates for Private Assigned Counsel (PAC) become effective October 1, 2026. The new rate chart is posted online at https://www.ncids.org/counsel-rates/ under “Current Hourly Assigned Rates.” For reference, the chart includes columns for the “old” rates and the “new” rates. To ensure that you are paid the correct rate for the work you do, Notes […]
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Meet Whitney Fairbanks, the New Executive Director of the Office of Indigent Defense Services
Whitney B. Fairbanks began work as the new Executive Director of the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS) on August 10, 2026. She steps into the role after a decade as the agency’s Assistant Director and General Counsel, a run that gave her about as close a view of the system as anyone […]
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Application Window Extended
A temporary glitch in the myworkdayjobs.com (State of NC) jobs application system may have prevented some applicants from successfully submitting their applications over the last few days. The issue was resolved. As a result, we have extended the application window for the IDS Assistant Director position to Sept. 14. Important Note Application windows in the […]
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Pollard Closes Chapter on Remarkable Career
Her legacy was preserved with the presentation of the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s top award. In her wake, she leaves sweeping accomplishments and fresh opportunities for the Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS) that will continue to impact the future of public defense for years to come. The lives she has touched (through six years […]