Public Defender 3 (80373)-Alamogordo, NM

About the role

The position provides professional legal services for the Law Offices of the Public Defender, representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in litigation, appeals, counsel, research, and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all misdemeanors, juvenile cases, and low‑ to medium‑level felonies with limited supervision.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to lower‑level attorneys and law clerks.
• Work under the direction of higher‑level attorneys and/or the Managing Attorney.
• Conduct plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to negotiate case resolutions.
• Attend seminars, training classes, and review professional literature to maintain and develop legal skills and knowledge.
• Draft, review, and prepare reports and legal documents.
• Meet with clients, file and argue motions, investigate cases, interview witnesses, proceed to trial, and file necessary appeals.
• Analyze probable case outcomes using investigation results and case law to advise clients on plea versus trial options.
• For appellate work, interview clients and trial counsel, review the trial record, and conduct research to support arguments that errors occurred in lower courts.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: This description does not encompass all activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. Employees may be required to perform at a PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation and must demonstrate competence across PD2 through PD3 levels.