Appellate Criminal Defense Attorney (23327)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Santa Fe, NM

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The objective summary for this job classification is to provide professional legal services for the Law Offices of the Public Defender in representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in areas of litigation, appeal, counsel, research and analysis. Specific to the Appellate Division, attorneys carry an exclusively appellate caseload and the position is research and writing oriented. The attorney will analyze the probable outcomes of cases based on the appellate record and legal research to advise clients on post-conviction options and remedies. Appellate attorneys consult with clients and trial counsel, review the record, and conduct extensive legal research to identify and litigate errors made in the lower courts. Arguments are presented in written appellate pleadings and through occasional oral argument at the New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Attorneys should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile cases with some supervision and mentorship.

Requirements

• Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court (PD2 and PD3).
• One (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney (PD3).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required.
• Must show competence in all levels PD2 through PD3.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the New Mexico Constitution and Criminal Code preferred.
• Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

• Representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in areas of litigation, appeal, counsel, research and analysis.
• Analyzing probable outcomes of cases based on the appellate record and legal research to advise clients on post-conviction options and remedies.
• Consulting with clients and trial counsel.
• Reviewing the record.
• Conducting extensive legal research to identify and litigate errors made in the lower courts.
• Presenting arguments in written appellate pleadings and through occasional oral argument at the New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
• Representing clients in all misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile cases with some supervision and mentorship.
• Conducting plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
• Attending seminars, training classes and reviewing current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
• Drafting/reviewing, proposing and preparing reports and legal documents.
• Providing guidance and mentoring to lower levels attorneys and law clerks (PD3).

Benefits

• Additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually (retention pay incentive).
• Flexible work opportunities, including partial teleworking (working from home).
• Work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule for attorneys once they have established fluency in their job duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed