Public Defender 3 (3280 & 26985)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender • Albuquerque, NM

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The objective summary of this job classification is to provide professional legal services for the Law Offices of the Public Defender in representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in areas of litigation, appeal, counsel, research and analysis. This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $0.76 hourly / $1,580.80 annually. Hourly pay differential reflects a retention pay incentive, as applicable to the position advertised. Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood. The New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender is excited to announce opportunities to join our team and be on the front lines of criminal justice reform! We are growing our Albuquerque Felony team and have multiple job opportunities in this beautiful city.

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.
• We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
• Employee will be required to show 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.
• Preference may be given to 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.
• Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels Attorneys and Law Clerks.
• Works 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.
• The Appellate Division attorneys of this level 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

• Flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home)
• Work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule.
• Compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor.
• Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.
• Geographic Pay Differential

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level