Criminal Defense Attorney (3360, 40348, & 80365)

About the role

The Law Offices of the Public Defender seeks a Criminal Defense Attorney to represent juvenile and adult indigent clients in areas of litigation, appeal, counsel, research, and analysis.

Essential Functions

• Criminal Defense Attorney PD2, PD3, or PD4:
  • Attorneys at this level will handle a variety of misdemeanors and may assist in juvenile cases and youthful offender cases.
  • May assist higher level attorneys with complex cases.
  • Work is performed under the direction, guidance, and supervision from more experienced colleagues and supervisor/manager.
  • 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.
• Criminal Defense Attorney 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.
• Criminal Defense Attorney 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.
  • Prepares appellate briefs and argues 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 recognizes and resolves complex issues related to the caseload.
  • 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.

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.
• The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
• The position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Benefits

• The Law Offices of the Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees.
• The State's General Services Department Risk Management Division, Employee Benefits Bureau (EBB), is responsible for the procurement and oversight of employee benefits - including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Erisa Administrative Services, Inc. (Erisa) is the State's Third Party Administrator. They provide benefits administration to all plan participants, and offer knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.