Courts Reporter
The Charlotte Observer is looking for an energetic, dogged reporter who can conceive, spot, report and write compelling stories that emerge from the local, state and federal courts in our region. This reporter will have the agility to cover breaking news while also capturing intriguing disputes and writing sophisticated enterprise about what’s happening in our court system.
This reporter will become an expert on our court systems and develop a deep and wide network of sources that includes lawyers, judges, court watchers, academic experts, advocates and others. They will break exclusive news, write with expertise and tell stories that connect with readers because they either affect their lives or are just plain riveting.
Their days could involve covering a high-profile murder trial in Mecklenburg County, the largest local court district in the state; explaining a state Supreme Court decision that pertains to the Charlotte area, or detailing the federal charges against a Charlotte-area or N.C. defendant. This reporter could occasionally partner with another reporter who covers systemic problems around equity in the criminal justice system, including on issues of sentencing reform, racial justice and debates over police use of force.
Candidates must be clear, concise, lively writers, and they must work well with others in a collaborative newsroom. They should have a minimum of one year of experience and preferably more. Daily newspaper experience is preferred. Candidates must understand how to use social media to improve and share stories and always have the reader top of mind. And while we have a talented photo/visual staff, candidates should be capable of producing quality photo and video.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to fairness and accuracy, in fact and in tone, and a strong grounding in journalism ethics. Like all McClatchy journalists, the reporter must have demonstrated the desire and skills to build audience loyalty, engagement and growth around compelling public service journalism.
Charlotte has, for years, been one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Its temperate climate, diverse population, ideal size, professional sports, thriving arts scene and exploding nightlife are attracting new residents of all ages. It is one of the biggest financial industry centers, has the sixth-busiest airport and sits two hours from the mountains and three hours from the beach. It’s a particularly exciting time to be at the Observer, with a growing newsroom and a dynamic community to cover.
The successful candidate should meet many, though not necessarily all, of the following requirements:
College degree or equivalent work experience
A minimum of 1 year of reporting experience that shows a track record of excellence.
Strong writing skills, excellent news judgment and a demonstrated ability to “see the story” that is going to matter to readers
Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
Ability to build source networks and bring a constant flow of story ideas
Ability to work collaboratively to tackle stories
Comfort with a job that will be demanding, fast-paced and constantly evolving
Eagerness to work with data, public records and business reports
Positive approach to finding solutions.
What you'll bring:
A competitive nature
A deep understanding, or the ability to quickly develop one, of how the court system and the criminal justice system work
The ability to report and write accurately and engagingly on tight deadlines
Creativity and independence in identifying stories that are exclusive to the Observer and relevant to readers. Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret complex documents and records
Command of grammar, spelling, Observer and AP style, as well as the ability to write clearly and organize a story
Expert-level writing skills in multiple formats – short form, long form, narrative, hard news and features
Fluency in both the art and science of readership and engagement
Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism