Criminal Defense Attorney (80378)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Roswell, NM

16h

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, counsel, research, and analysis. The position may be classified as Public Defender 2, 3, or 4 based on job-related qualifications and agency needs; employees may be required to perform duties at any of these levels without additional compensation.

At PD2, the attorney handles a variety of misdemeanor cases, may assist with juvenile and youthful offender cases, and may support more experienced attorneys on complex cases. Work is performed with supervision and guidance. At PD3, the attorney represents clients in misdemeanors, juvenile cases, and low- to medium-level felonies with limited supervision, and may mentor lower-level attorneys and law clerks. At PD4, the attorney handles felony cases and, with some guidance, more complex felonies; manages appellate caseloads; prepares appellate briefs and argues cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court; and provides guidance to lower-level attorneys.

The position includes conducting plea negotiations, preparing and reviewing reports and legal documents, and maintaining professional knowledge through training, seminars, and current legal literature. The department offers flexible work opportunities, potentially including teleworking and schedules outside the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, subject to approval and agreed terms. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. It is exempt and may qualify for approved compensatory time for authorized hours worked over 80 in a pay period.

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 issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court, 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 issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court, and four years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; the employer cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.
• Must demonstrate competence in duties across PD2, PD3, and PD4 levels.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

What This Job Offers

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