Assistant Solicitor General (NMDOJ #1056)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 hours leave at start

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, seeks Assistant Solicitors General to represent the State in criminal appellate proceedings. Candidates research issues, write persuasively, and argue in court; duties include drafting appellate briefs, and may work on writs and detention appeals.

Must manage a heavy caseload and meet deadlines while advising prosecutors and serving on committees.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate legal training required.
• Ability to research complex criminal appellate issues.

Responsibilities

• Research legal issues, write persuasive briefs, and argue in court.
• Draft appellate briefs and may handle writs and expedited detainee appeals.
• Manage caseload and meet deadlines; advise prosecutors on appellate strategy.
• Serve on state and national committees and present at conferences.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Job description

Press Control+M to start dragging object

For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

Under the leadership of Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) serves as the chief legal authority for the state of New Mexico. The NMDOJ works to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and the rights of all citizens are protected.

The NMDOJ works to protect every community in New Mexico and empower vulnerable populations. We believe in giving a voice to those who may feel unheard, an effort that ensures everyone's rights are recognized and respected.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

• As a valued New Mexico Department of Justice employee, you will receive a hiring bonus of forty (40) hours of leave at your start date to be used at any time.
• This is in addition to standard leave accrual for employees.

Why does the job exist?

Assistant Solicitors General (ASGs) represent the State in criminal appellate proceedings. ASGs defend lawful convictions and seek relief when lower courts rule against the State.

How does it get done?

Assistant Solicitors General (ASGs) must research legal issues carefully, write persuasively, and argue in court effectively. In addition to drafting appellate briefs, the position may also occasionally involve working on writs and expedited pretrial detention appeals; must be able to master complex and extensive records; at the same time, ASGs are responsible for managing a caseload and adhering to deadlines; may also be required to advise state prosecutors on appellate questions and strategy, serve on state and national committees, present at conferences, and perform other criminal-appeals-related duties as directed by the Solicitor General.

Who are the customers?

Most fundamentally, ASGs work for the public: they ensure that victims of crime seek justice and that the police and prosecutors have the legal ability to protect the public from dangerous individuals. The Division works with prosecutors around the state, including prosecution units within the New Mexico Department of Justice.

Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate would have a background in criminal law and an interest in broader policy questions. The candidate would have experience in researching and dealing with complex legal issues. This individual would be skilled in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy; must exercise good judgment to select effective legal strategies and identify important issues. Effective ASGs must have the patience to comb through extensive records as well as the ability to work quickly when necessary; must be professional and courteous when interacting with prosecutors, judges, opposing counsel, and co-workers.

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.

Employment Requirements

All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).

Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico; or must obtain a Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminals (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Limited in-state and out-of-state travel may be required on occasion. It is anticipated the person in this position will hold a valid driver's license and be able to lawfully operate a state-owned motor vehicle when necessary.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.