Criminal Defense Attorney (3299 & 10114907)-Carlsbad, NM

Essential Functions

• Criminal Defense Attorney PD2, PD3 or PD4:
  • Handles a variety of misdemeanors and may assist in juvenile cases and youthful offender cases.
  • May assist higher level attorneys with complex cases.
  • Conducts plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
  • Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
  • Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
• Public Defender 3 (PD3):
  • Represents 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.
  • Conducts plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
  • Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
  • Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
• Public Defender 4 (PD4):
  • Handles felony cases such as burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision.
  • May handle more complex level felonies with some guidance/direction from a higher level attorney/managing attorney.
  • Has acquired sufficient knowledge and/or experience to handle an appellate caseload.
  • Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction from higher level Attorneys.
  • Provides guidance and advice to lower level attorneys.
  • Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
  • Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.

Minimum Qualifications

• PD2: Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court.
• PD3: Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
• PD4: Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Employment Requirements

• 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.
• Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
• Default FLSA: Exempt.