Criminal Defense Attorney (73084)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender•Clovis/Portales, 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. This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $4.55 hourly / $9,464.00 annually. Hourly pay differential reflects a geographical and retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised. Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood. Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 2, 3, or 4 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.

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).
Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney (PD3).
Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney (PD4).
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.
Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD4.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

Handle a variety of misdemeanors and may assist in juvenile cases and youthful offender cases (PD2).
Assist higher level attorneys with complex cases (PD2).
Conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
Attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
Represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision (PD3).
Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels attorneys and law clerks (PD3).
Handle felony cases such as burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision (PD4).
May handle more complex level felonies with some guidance/direction from a higher level attorney/managing attorney (PD4).
Has acquired sufficient knowledge and/or experience to handle an appellate caseload (PD4).
Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction from higher level Attorneys (PD4).
Provides guidance and advice to lower level attorneys (PD4).
Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload (PD4).
Performs related and other duties as assigned.