Johnston County Public Defender's Office

05/28/2026

SPOTLIGHT SERIES:

Each month wwe will be shining a spotlight on the employees in our office. Get to know your Johnston County Public Defender Team!!

This month for MAY we want to introduce you to a member of our team:

JULIA SMITH

I’m an Assistant PD and excited to be serving Johnston County! I joined the PD’s office last fall after graduating from Campbell Law School and passing the bar. I grew up in the sunshine state of Florida where I went to Florida State University for undergrad where I studied national security and earned my TEFL certification. From there I worked with immigrants and refugees in the States before spending time in France. I then spent two years in Guatemala where I worked with locals and Americans as a liaison helping address local needs long-term. I have always been passionate about serving those who are often underrepresented and doing what I can to help provide needed services. This is what inspired me to go back to school to study law and provide legal services to those who need representation.

In my free time I enjoy slow walks with my dog and anything I can do outside!

05/26/2026

NEED LEGAL ADVICE? CAN'T AFFORD A CONSULT? COME SEE US ON FRIDAY!!

https://jocoreport.com/johnston-county-bar-association-offering-free-legal-advice-during-ask-a-lawyer-day/

Street Reach of Johnston County
Johnston County Government
Partnership for Children of Johnston County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake & Johnston Counties
Her Haven Of Light
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield
Lil Reggie Cookies
Regina Manzanares
JoCo Angels Overdose Awareness and Support
Hope Center Ministries
Sharon Ocean-Carter
Safe Kids Johnston County
The Diner
UNC School of Law
Say YES Foundation Inc.

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Residents in need of legal guidance will have an opportunity to receive free consultations from local attorneys during Johnston County’s annual “Ask A Lawyer Day.” The Johnston County Bar Association will host the event from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, May 29, in the a...

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

JOIN US!!

05/14/2026

Save the date for the Ask-a-Lawyer Day event, happening on May 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the atrium of the Johnston County Courthouse. This event will offer free legal advice from a panel of distinguished lawyers to those in need.

The Johnston County Bar Association will host “Ask A Lawyer Day” on Friday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield.

04/30/2026

Need over the counter medications? Want them for free? This is a good way to pick up some of those well needed OTC meds for the family!

04/25/2026

Wednesday we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day! Thank you to our wonderful team that keeps us this office running: Andi, Jenise, Grace and Monica.

04/24/2026

On Monday I had the honor of being sworn in before the United States Supreme Court alongside some of my esteemed colleagues! It was an amazing experience! Thank you to Mike Reece for making this possible.

04/21/2026

This is a great opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet safely!!

04/10/2026

Support a sweet cause this April! 🍪💙

This month, 10% of cookie sales from Chick-fil-A Smithfield-Selma will benefit Partnership for Children of Johnston County through Cookies for Community!

As we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and celebrate the Week of the Young Child, this partnership is a meaningful way to support the children in our community. Every cookie purchased helps invest in brighter futures for Johnston County’s youngest residents through family support, early education, and strong community connections.

🍪 Buy cookies.
💙 Give back.
🌟 Support local children and the adults who care for them.

Thank you for helping us make a difference—one cookie at a time!

For more information:
📞 919-202-0002
📧 [email protected]

Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina