District Defender (3381)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Roswell, NM

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

The District Defender is the lead attorney and leader of a judicial district, responsible for the overall management of an office(s), including administration, personnel, supervision, training, caseload management, ethics, and all areas necessary to secure the best possible representation for our clients. District Defenders are leaders who consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the representation of the poor. They carry a reduced caseload to effectively manage the office(s) and devote a substantial portion of time overseeing and managing the operations of the District Office. District Defenders must consistently demonstrate a respectful and professional demeanor and expect the same from their staff. They direct and supervise their office and appoint employees in keeping with the provisions of the Public Defender Act and all other personnel policies. The District Defender may promote, discipline, suspend, and remove employees subject to the terms and conditions of the LOPD personnel policies, applicable labor contracts, and applicable laws. They are accountable for office performance and discharge of responsibility in conforming to all legal requirements. The District Defender reviews, tracks, and assigns cases to subordinate attorneys. Depending on the judicial district, moderate to extensive travel may be required, including overnight stays. The District Defender serves at the pleasure of the Chief Public Defender and is responsible directly to the Deputy Chief Public Defender. This position is appointed by the Chief Public Defender.

Requirements

• Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for a limited license issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.
• Effective management skills necessary to lead and manage a complex legal environment through multiple staff of attorneys and administrative support staff.
• Ability to work as a member of a defense team.
• Proficiency in computer-based research.
• Ability to task-prioritize.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, and Local statutes, relating to the defense of indigents.
• Comprehensive legal research and analysis skills.
• Extensive knowledge of juvenile delinquency, preliminary hearings, Habeas Corpus hearings, Trials, including pre- and post-trial motions, post-conviction hearings, criminal extradition hearings, issues related to probation, parole, and revocations, commitments under the Mental Health and Retardation Act, and other areas where representation is constitutionally required.
• Thorough knowledge of the statutes, regulations, operations, and structure of the local legal environment.
• Ability to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Ability to process and retain large amounts of information.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Ability to withstand a moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use all necessary electronic devices, especially computers.
• Ability to transport themselves and their work files to court, jail, investigations, and any other place where their physical presence is required.
• Ability to lift, move, or transport case files which can weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to review all discovery, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examine physical evidence, and view crime scenes.
• Attorneys in this position may not engage in private law practice.

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) years of experience as a practicing attorney, of which two (2) years must be in a supervisory and/or mentoring role.

Responsibilities

• Overall management of an office(s), including administration, personnel, supervision, training, caseload management, and ethics.
• Secure the best possible representation for clients.
• Manage the operations of the District Office.
• Direct and supervise the office and appoint employees.
• Promote, discipline, suspend, and remove employees.
• Accountable for office performance and discharge of responsibility in conforming to all legal requirements.
• Review, track, and assign cases to subordinate attorneys.
• Carry a reduced caseload to effectively manage the office(s).

Benefits

• Additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually (retention pay incentive).
• Flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (working from home).
• Work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule.

What This Job Offers

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