Legal Associate (10109359)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Ruidoso, NM

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The objective summary of this job classification is to provide various support activities to attorneys in a legal setting including, but not limited to, determining need-based eligibility for legal services in accordance with laws. The essential functions include determining applicant eligibility for representation, acting as a liaison for attorneys to maintain communication between attorneys and clients, drafting legal instruments, assisting in document preparation, and preparing correspondence and some investigative tasks. The role involves spending a significant portion of time assisting with legal research and other non-investigative support activities. The Legal Associate assists attorneys in difficult situations, identifies and describes legal problem areas in consultation with a staff attorney, and utilizes web-based programs such as a case management/tracking system. Consults with an attorney regarding the ability to take certain cases. Requires knowledge of a range of vocational areas or in-depth knowledge of a specialized area. The nature of work performed may involve some routine analysis, and the end results produced have a moderate impact on the outcomes of the function in which the work is performed. Work at this level may involve providing work direction and guidance to employees at lower levels. The challenges faced in the position are patterned in nature, and the incumbent is readily able to recognize the challenge, recall a solution, and apply it. Performs related and other duties as assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. An Employee with this classification may be required to perform at an DD level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels AA through DD.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence
• Two (2) years of work experience conducting legal research
• Two (2) years of work experience maintaining a case management/tracking system
• 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
• Must show competence in all levels AA through DD

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of a range of vocational areas or in-depth knowledge of a specialized area
• Multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages

Responsibilities

• Determine applicant eligibility for representation
• Act as liaison for attorneys to maintain communication between attorneys and clients
• Draft legal instruments
• Assist in document preparation
• Prepare correspondence
• Perform some investigative tasks
• Assist with legal research
• Perform other non-investigative support activities
• Assist attorneys in difficult situations
• Identify and describe legal problem areas in consultation with a staff attorney
• Utilize web-based programs such as case management/tracking system
• Consult with attorney regarding the ability to take certain cases
• Provide work direction and guidance to employees at lower levels

Benefits

• Compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at a 1.5x rate in lieu of cash payments for authorized overtime (subject to approval)
• Compensatory time may be paid out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED