The First Judicial District recently welcomed Sean Yacobi as its newest assistant public defender. With over two decades of legal experience and licensed to practice in both Virginia and North Carolina, he brings a strong background to the role.
Mr. Yacobi was sworn in on April 1, 2026. One aspect that made this oath particularly noteworthy to staff in the Dare County Public Defender’s Office was that he was sworn in by former First District APD, now District Court Judge Jennifer Wells.
Judge Wells was an assistant public defender with the First Judicial District in Dare County for 11 years. In March of 2025, Wells was appointed by Governor Josh Stein to serve as a district court judge for the First Judicial District.
“It was an absolute honor to swear in Dare County’s newest public defender,” said Wells. “It was even more special since it was a position I used to hold before I became a judge. Though my position in the courtroom has changed, I still very much believe in the value of public defense and regularly talk about how important it is to the fair administration of justice. I’m so happy for Sean and the whole First District Public Defender’s Office.”