Legal Associate (10108886)

About the role

The objective summary of this job classification is to provide various support activities to attorneys in a legal setting including, but not limited to, determining need-based eligibility for legal services in accordance with laws.

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The department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood.

Essential Functions

• Determine applicant eligibility for representation
• Act as liaison for attorneys to maintain communication between attorneys and clients
• Draft legal instruments
• Affords assistance in document preparation
• Prepares correspondence and some investigative tasks
• Spend significant portion of time assisting with legal research and other non-investigative support activities
• Assists attorneys in difficult situations, identifies and describes legal problem areas in consultation with a staff attorney
• Utilizes web-based programs such as case management/tracking system
• Consults with attorney regarding the ability to take certain cases
• Knowledge of a range of vocational areas or in-depth knowledge of a specialized area
• The nature of work performed may involve some routine analysis and end results produced have a moderate impact on the outcomes of the function in which the work is performed
• Work at this level may involve providing work direction and guidance to employees at lower levels
• The challenges faced in the position are patterned in nature and the incumbent is readily able to recognize the challenge, recall a solution and apply
• Performs related and other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research and maintaining a case management/tracking system
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required education and experience

Employment Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License
• Must be eligible to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S.
• Must adhere to the collective bargaining agreement and terms/conditions of that agreement
• Must be non-exempt under FLSA
• Must be an equal opportunity employer

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Medical program for retirees
• Employee Benefits Bureau (EBB)
• Erisa Administrative Services, Inc. (Erisa)
• Total Compensation Package

Qualifications

• Highest level of education completed
• Total years of experience related to this job classification
• Years of experience researching and preparing for court hearings
• Experience assisting disadvantaged populations
• Experience accessing and navigating all District, Metropolitan and Magistrate Court websites across the state
• Experience creating and maintaining court calendars for multiple attorneys
• Experience working in a law office as a paralegal or legal secretary
• Years of experience working with criminal court proceedings
• Experience assisting applicants applying for need-based services
• Level of fluency in any language(s) other than English
• Current State of New Mexico employee confirmation
• Annual leave and sick leave policy understanding
• Probationary period understanding upon transfer