Criminal Defense Attorney (80368)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Santa Fe, NM

5d

About The Position

The Criminal Defense Attorney provides professional legal services for the Law Offices of the Public Defender, representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in litigation, appeals, counseling, research, and analysis. The position may be classified as Public Defender 2, 3, or 4 at hire, based on the applicant’s job-related qualifications and agency needs. The role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Flexible work arrangements, including teleworking and schedules outside the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, may be available for discussion with the hiring manager.

Public Defender 2 attorneys handle a variety of misdemeanors and may assist with juvenile and youthful offender cases or support higher-level attorneys on complex cases. They work under the direction and supervision of more experienced colleagues and may conduct plea negotiations, attend training, maintain professional knowledge, and prepare or review legal documents and reports.

Public Defender 3 attorneys represent clients in misdemeanors, juvenile cases, and low- to medium-level felonies with limited supervision. They may mentor lower-level attorneys and law clerks, negotiate pleas, attend training, maintain professional knowledge, and prepare or review legal documents and reports.

Public Defender 4 attorneys handle felony matters, including burglaries, drug and property crimes, and probation violations, with limited supervision. They may handle more complex felonies with guidance, manage appellate caseloads, prepare appellate briefs, and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction. They also guide lower-level attorneys, resolve complex caseload issues independently, attend training, and prepare or review legal documents and reports. Employees may be required to perform duties at PD2, PD3, or PD4 level without additional compensation and must demonstrate competence across all three levels.

The position qualifies for an additional hourly geographical and retention pay differential of $3.05 per hour ($2,704 annually), as applicable. Typical base pay ranges are $37.7415–$40.00 per hour for PD2, $44.25–$53.0154 per hour for PD3, and $49.90–$58.53 per hour for PD4. Exempt employees may accrue compensatory time at a 1:1 rate for approved extra hours worked, subject to the stated conditions; they are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours.

Requirements

• PD2: Current license to practice law issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court, or eligibility for a limited license issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
• PD3: Current license to practice law issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court, or eligibility for a limited license, and one year of experience as a practicing attorney.
• PD4: Current license to practice law issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court, or eligibility for a limited license, and four years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Be eligible to work in the United States; the employer cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
• Demonstrate competence in duties at the PD2, PD3, and PD4 levels.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in English and another language; preference may be given to multilingual applicants.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation to juvenile and adult indigent clients in litigation, appeals, counseling, research, and analysis.
• Handle misdemeanors and, depending on classification, juvenile cases, youthful offender cases, and felony cases.
• Assist higher-level attorneys with complex cases when appropriate.
• Conduct plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties when appropriate.
• Prepare, draft, review, and propose reports and legal documents.
• Attend seminars and training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
• At the PD3 level, provide guidance and mentoring to lower-level attorneys and law clerks.
• At the PD4 level, handle appellate caseloads, prepare appellate briefs, and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with direction as needed.
• At the PD4 level, provide guidance and advice to lower-level attorneys and independently recognize and resolve complex caseload issues.
• Perform related and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible work opportunities, including teleworking and work schedules outside the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.
• Approved compensatory time off may accrue at a 1:1 rate for authorized extra hours worked, subject to advance request and supervisor approval.

What This Job Offers

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