Criminal Defense Attorney (80368)
About the role
The Law Offices of the Public Defender seeks a Criminal Defense Attorney to provide professional legal services for 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.
- Public Defender 3 (PD3):
- 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.
- Conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Attends 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.
- 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.
Default FLSA
Exempt.
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.
Benefits
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. The State's Group Benefits Plan also offers COBRA, Flexible Spending Account Programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Human Rights Act Poster
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Job Safety and Health Protection
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Employee Polygraph Protection Act
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Family Medical Leave Act
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Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
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Employee Rights under USERRA
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Required Posters
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