Appellate Attorney Associate (U) or Appellate Attorney Assistant (U) #00000089-21600, Full-Time, At-Will, in Santa Fe, NM

General Statement of Duties

The Appellate Attorney – Associate (At-Will) is responsible for drafting recommendations and proposed dispositions for assigned cases, memorandum opinions, judgments, orders, and decisions for review. Assists the Court with the exercise of its constitutional rulemaking authority and provides staff support for the Court’s rulemaking committees, boards, and commissions.

• Screens pro se petitions for jurisdictional and procedural prerequisites.
• Responds to correspondence, emails, and telephone calls from pro se litigants, inmates, attorneys, and members of the public.
• Affixes calendar recommendations, notices, orders, and opinions.
• Analyzes briefs, records, and legal authorities cited.
• Drafts proposed orders addressing petitions for extraordinary writs and motions in civil and criminal matters.
• Evaluates court processes and formulates, recommends, and implements policies and procedures to ensure uniform compliance with statutory and constitutional provisions, case law, and Supreme Court Rules.
• Evaluates proposed rule changes, drafts comments, attends trials and hearings.
• Makes oral presentations, training, or continuing education at national, state, and local conferences.
• Researches proposed legislation, provides testimony, and participates in developing strategies for passage of legislation.
• Assists in tracking, reviewing, analyzing, and advising the court on proposed legislation.
• Ensures compliance with statutory deadlines and budgetary limitations.
• Serves on statewide or local committees.
• Maintains awareness of current developments in the law.
• Responds to correspondence, emails, telephone calls, and in-person information requests from pro se litigants, inmates, attorneys, judges, court staff, government employees, and members of the public.

Responsibilities

The Appellate Attorney – Assistant (At-Will) is responsible for providing support to the court on legal matters as they arise in the course of court operations.

• Assists the court with the exercise of its rulemaking authority and provides staff support for committees, boards, and commissions.
• Drafts recommendations and proposed dispositions for assigned cases.
• Screens pro se petitions for jurisdiction and procedural prerequisites.
• Affixes motions, docketing statements, and briefs.
• Recommends appropriate courses of action and dispositions.
• Drafts memoranda of law, proposed opinions, and orders for administrative appeals of record and de novo appeals.
• Analyzes briefs, records, and legal authorities cited.
• Drafts proposed orders addressing petitions for extraordinary writs and motions in civil and criminal matters.
• Evaluates court processes and formulates, recommends, and implements policies and procedures to ensure uniform compliance with statutory and constitutional provisions, case law, and Supreme Court Rules.
• Affixes proposed orders addressing petitions for extraordinary writs and motions in civil and criminal matters.
• Assists management on personnel issues and ensures compliance with applicable employment laws, rules, regulations, court, and AOC policies and procedures.
• Affixes Requests for Proposals and Invitations to Bid.
• Prepares and makes oral presentations, training, or continuing education at national, state, and local conferences.
• Researches proposed legislation, provides testimony, and participates in developing strategies for passage of legislation.
• Assists in overseeing court-mandated programs.
• Prepares curriculum or workshop materials for training and educational programs.
• Ensures compliance with statutory deadlines and budgetary limitations.
• Serves on statewide or local committees.
• Maintains awareness of current developments in the law.
• Responds to correspondence, emails, telephone calls, and in-person information requests from pro se litigants, inmates, attorneys, judges, court staff, government employees, and members of the public.

Competencies/Qualifications

• Knowledge of United States and New Mexico constitutions, federal law, New Mexico case law, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures; rules of Criminal and Civil procedures, rules of Appellate Procedure, rules of evidence, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and rules of Professional Conduct.
• Experience in the practice of applicable law, or as a law clerk.
• Principles of legal analysis and writing, legal proofreading and editing; court case management systems; supervisory techniques, mediating and managing conflict.
• Ability to balance practical and legal considerations, develop procedures, comprehend and explain complex issues and solve problems.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx, Short, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Programs, employee assistance program (EAP)
• State paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life insurance
• Optional flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses
• Paid time off, up to eight (8) weeks accrued annually
• Paid time off and retirement buyback
• Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations
• Free health care, Rx, and lab work at the facility (Stay Well Health Center) in Santa Fe, NM
• Bilingual compensation
• Training and career development opportunities
• Higher education opportunities, educational leave, and tuition reimbursement
• May qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• May receive overtime holiday or shift differential pay
• May receive physical fitness leave

Qualifications

• Appellate Attorney Associate (U): Education: Must be a graduate of a law school meeting the standards of accreditation of the American Bar Association; possess and maintain a license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
• Experience: Five (5) years of experience in the practice of applicable law, or as a law clerk.
• Attorney – Assistant (At-Will): Education: Must be a graduate of a law school meeting the standards of accreditation of the American Bar Association; possess and maintain a license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the practice of applicable law or as a law clerk.

To Apply

Submit a New Mexico Judicial Branch Application for Employment, or a Resume and a Resume Supplemental form, and proof of education to:

• New Mexico Supreme Court
• Attn: Francesca Martinez
• 237 Don Gaspar
• Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
• Email: supfbm@nmcourts.gov
• Phone: (505) 946-7296

Proof of education is required to be considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer