Attorney (Habeas Corpus)

Office of Second Judicial District Attorney•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney improves the quality of life of the citizens of Bernalillo County by reducing crime through thoughtful enforcement of the law and the development of a criminal justice system. The Office is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is seeking applicants for an Attorney for our special proceedings team. Pursuant to the New Mexico District Attorney’s Compensation Plan, the position of attorney is “At Will” and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Purpose: The purpose of the Habeas Corpus Attorney position is to protect the integrity of criminal convictions and sentences by effectively representing the State in post-conviction and habeas corpus proceedings. This role ensures that convictions are lawfully obtained and upheld through thorough legal analysis, timely and accurate litigation, and sound advocacy in state courts. The Habeas Corpus Attorney plays a critical role in safeguarding due process, maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system, and supporting the Office’s mission to seek justice while ensuring fairness and constitutional compliance.

Requirements

Trial Attorney: Licensed attorney in New Mexico or another State with a New Mexico limited license, plus a minimum of two (2) years as a practicing attorney, or one (1) year as a prosecuting attorney.
SeniorTrial Attorney: Licensed attorney to practice law in good standing either in New Mexico or another state with a New Mexico limited license, plus a minimum of four (4) years as a practicing attorney in criminal law or three (3) years as a prosecuting attorney.
Deputy District Attorney: Career prosecutor: Licensed attorney to practice law in New Mexico plus a minimum of six (6) years of relevant prosecution experience.
Position requires in-depth knowledge of criminal procedure, constitutional law, and post-conviction litigation
Strong legal research and writing skills, with the ability to analyze complex legal issues clearly and persuasively
Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Professional courtroom demeanor and effective oral advocacy skills
Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a collaborative legal team

Nice To Haves

Trial Attorney: Two (2) or more years as a prosecuting attorney.
Senior Trial Attorney: Five (5) to seven (7) years or more of relevant prosecution experience.
Deputy District Attorney: Career prosecutor: Licensed attorney to practice law in New Mexico, plus eight (8) or more years of relevant prosecution experience.

Responsibilities

Review, analyze, and respond to state habeas corpus petitions, motions for post-conviction relief;
Draft pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda addressing constitutional, procedural, and substantive criminal law issues;
Represent the State in hearings and oral arguments in trial courts, and appellate courts as required;
Conduct thorough reviews of trial transcripts, exhibits, and appellate records to assess claims of error or ineffective assistance of counsel;
Collaborate with trial attorneys, appellate attorneys, investigators, and support staff to gather records, affidavits, and factual support;
Track statutory deadlines and ensure compliance with all filing requirements in state courts;
Provide legal guidance and consultation to trial divisions regarding post-conviction issues and preservation of the record;
Stay current on developments in criminal law, post-conviction procedure, and constitutional jurisprudence;
Assists with and provides coverage for other Special Proceedings Division functions, including extradition and probation violation cases, as needed to support division operations;
Maintain accurate case records and provide status updates to supervisors as requested.