Public Defender 3 (10106307)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Albuquerque, NM

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender is seeking attorneys committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients and positively impacting their lives through holistic representation. This role involves standing up for clients and "the system," gaining extensive courtroom and litigation experience, and developing familiarity with state statutes and the rules of evidence and trial practice. The position offers opportunities for flexible work arrangements, including teleworking and non-traditional work schedules. The Public Defender 3 classification provides professional legal services for juvenile and adult indigent clients in litigation, appeal, counsel, research, and analysis. Attorneys at this level represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision, provide guidance to lower-level attorneys and law clerks, and conduct plea bargaining. Appellate Division attorneys review records, research, and interview clients and trial counsel to support arguments regarding lower court errors. This role may also involve performing duties of a lower classification without additional compensation and demonstrating competence across PD2 and PD3 levels.

Requirements

• Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court
• One (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
• 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.
• Competence in all levels PD2 through PD3.

Nice To Haves

• Attorneys that are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients.
• Attorneys interested in positively impacting the lives of clients through holistic representation.
• Attorneys that have the ability to stand up for a client, and stand up to “the system.”
• Attorneys who are excited about the opportunity to gain vast amounts of courtroom and litigation experience, familiarity with state statutes and working knowledge of the rules of evidence and trial practice.
• Multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to lower levels Attorneys and Law Clerks.
• Work under the direction and guidance provided by higher level Attorneys and/or Managing Attorney.
• Conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
• Attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
• Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
• Meet with clients, file and argue motions, investigate cases, interview witnesses, proceed to trial and file any necessary appeals.
• Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge derived from investigation and case law to determine whether a client should enter into a plea or go to trial.
• Interview clients and trial counsel, reviews the record and researches to support arguments that errors have been made by the lower courts.
• Performs related and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Additional hourly pay differential of $0.76 hourly / $1,580.80 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed