Public Defender 5 (10105190)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender•Gallup, NM

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The objective summary of this job classification is to provide professional legal services representing juvenile and adult indigent clients, handle highly complex appeals or serve as lead counsel for serious violent felony or appeals and other highly complex litigation cases. This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $3.80 hourly / $7,904.00 annually. Hourly pay differential reflects geographical and retention pay incentives, 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.

Requirements

Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court.
Four (4) years of criminal law 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.
Must show competence in all levels PD2 through PD5.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

Handle all levels of criminal cases and legal matters including the most complex felonies, such as capital cases.
Handle an appellate caseload, prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court.
Act as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
Provide supervision from a lead work perspective to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
Work independently and recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels.
Provide key input into the development of policies and procedures for the assigned organization unit and/or program.
Train, coordinate and advise less experienced public defender attorneys, including co-counseling.
Conduct legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, and procedural rules in preparation of cases.
Review and investigate client cases to determine legal position and propose legal strategy.
Prepare for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews, and preparation of witnesses to testify.
Research changes in laws, legislation, rules, court decisions, and case precedents to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
Draft/review, propose and prepare reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
Counsel and advise clients on cases such as pleadings, arraignments, trials, and appeals.
Represent the client in legal matters, such as motions, hearings, litigation, and appeals.
Explain, interpret, and keep clients informed on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues, and problems.
Attend seminars, training classes, and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skill and knowledge.
Conduct plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
Follow through on cases by ensuring client release and client payments.
Perform related work as required.
Assist with (CLIP) program or coordinate volunteer/intern/extern programs, depending on location.