Limited Practitioner

Law Offices Of The Public Defender•Statewide (various locations), NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position aims to bridge the gap between graduating from law school and passing the bar exam. It allows the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) to offer employment to applicants before they graduate, ensuring employment after graduation and a dedicated employee for indigent defense. The role serves as a bridge period between law school graduation and being sworn in as a practicing attorney. As a government agency, LOPD cannot hire individuals as attorneys until they are licensed by a state bar. Those offered positions are expected to join the LOPD team shortly after taking the bar exam for comprehensive training in criminal defense, local rules and practices, and LOPD's holistic representation approach. Upon being sworn in and demonstrating expected performance, limited practitioners will transition to a public defender attorney position, contingent on performance and availability.

Requirements

Completion of a minimum of at least two years in an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.
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.
We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assists attorneys in preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and handling administrative tasks.
May attend court hearings, trials, and client meetings to provide support to attorneys.
Helps with case preparation, including reviewing discovery, drafting motions, and organizing case files.