Regional Director for Client Services (10109156)

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

16d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Public Defender (DCPD), the Regional Director for Client Services provides management and operational oversight of assigned Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) district offices and units. The role provides direction, guidance, coaching, and support to District Defenders and other managerial and supervisory staff to promote effective office operations, caseload management, staffing, employee development, and client services consistent with LOPD's mission. The position exercises delegated management authority and works collaboratively with District Defenders to identify operational and staffing needs, develop and implement strategies, support recruitment and retention, coordinate training and professional development, and promote consistent application of LOPD policies and practices. The Regional Director serves as a management liaison between the DCPD and District Defenders and represents or provides coverage for them in designated administrative, operational, and case representation or docket matters. The role travels to work with LOPD district offices and units, with the goal of spending 50% of time in the field. Depending on the judicial district, moderate to extensive travel, including overnight stays, may be required. The position is appointed by the Chief Public Defender, serves at the Chief Public Defender's pleasure, and reports directly to the DCPD.

Requirements

Current license to practice law issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court, or eligibility for a limited license issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Ten years of experience as a practicing attorney, including six years in a management or supervisory role.
Fluency in English and another language; preference may be given to multilingual applicants.

Responsibilities

Oversee and assist with management of assigned LOPD district offices and units, providing direction, guidance, and operational support to District Defenders and other managerial and supervisory staff.
Ensure assigned offices and units comply with agency policies and applicable state and federal laws.
Evaluate, coach, and guide District Defenders and other assigned managerial and supervisory staff in managing and developing their offices and units.
Advise and assist with low-level disciplinary matters and grievances, coordinating with the DCPD on matters requiring higher-level review or intervention.
Provide direction, training, and consultation on office administration, staff organization, FTE and classification utilization, reclassification, workflow, and case-management efficiency.
Monitor caseloads and work with District Defenders and supervisory staff to identify coverage needs, allocate resources, and secure caseload coverage.
Oversee and collaborate on recruitment, hiring, compensation, and retention, including reviewing applicant lists, scheduling interviews, leading hiring panels, requesting and extending salary offers, and reviewing Temporary Salary Increase requests.
Guide onboarding of new attorneys and coordinate ongoing attorney training for assigned offices and units.
Collaborate with the Attorney Training and Recruitment Director on training and recruitment programs, including training or supervising participants in the skills-based pathway program.
Provide management and administrative coverage for the DCPD or District Defenders as assigned, including timesheet approvals within SHARE.
Represent or provide coverage for the DCPD at Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and other criminal legal partner meetings as needed.
Attend meetings with judges in collaboration with District Defenders and provide coverage for the DCPD or District Defenders as assigned.
Provide in-person or virtual docket coverage and accept case assignments as operational needs require.
Serve as second chair at trials on behalf of or in support of the DCPD or District Defenders as assigned.
Travel to district offices and units, with the goal of spending 50% of work time in the field to provide leadership presence and support office operations, communication, and collaboration.
Assist with establishing, implementing, and continuously improving LOPD policies, procedures, programs, and organizational structures for district offices and units.
Establish interim goals and objectives for assigned offices and units.
Stay informed about current issues, best practices, and trends relevant to effective client representation and LOPD operations.
Work with the DCPD and District Defenders to determine future needs and develop strategies to address them.
Perform other duties as assigned.