Assistant Trial Attorney

Third Judicial District Attorney's Office; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 76,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is seeking an Assistant Trial Attorney to begin a prosecutorial career with meaningful courtroom experience, mentorship, and public service to Doña Ana County.

The role handles misdemeanors and lower-level felonies, with opportunities to contribute to case research, negotiation, and trial preparation under supervision. Recent graduates or early-career attorneys are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required.
• Current license to practice law in the State of New Mexico required.
• Preference for up to ~1 year of relevant legal experience; exposure to criminal law and courtroom practice is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanors and lower-level felony matters, including DWI cases.
• Perform legal research and assist with trial preparation under supervision.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocates as part of felony litigation teams.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Case analysis

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Current NM bar license

Job description

ASSISTANT TRIAL ATTORNEY

Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt | At-Will
Salary: $75,945 – $94,932

Prosecutorial Career Opportunity

The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office is seeking a motivated, service-minded attorney to join our team as an Assistant Trial Attorney.

Launch your prosecution career with meaningful courtroom experience, professional mentorship, and the opportunity to serve the people of Doña Ana County. This entry-level position offers the chance to develop essential advocacy skills while contributing to public safety and the fair administration of justice.

Assistant Trial Attorneys prosecute misdemeanors and lower-level felony matters, including DWI cases, and assist experienced prosecutors with felony litigation and trial preparation. The role involves legal research, collaboration with law enforcement, and supervised opportunities to exercise prosecutorial judgment.

Why Consider the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office?

This position offers attorneys the opportunity to:

• Build courtroom confidence through misdemeanor and lower-level felony prosecution.
• Gain hands‑on experience evaluating cases, negotiating resolutions, and preparing for trial.
• Develop sound prosecutorial judgment with guidance from experienced attorneys.
• Support felony trial teams through legal research, drafting, and case preparation.
• Collaborate with prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and law enforcement partners.
• Participate in crime-scene response, community outreach, boards, and task forces when assigned.
• Grow professionally in an entry-level role designed to build prosecutorial effectiveness.
• Make a meaningful contribution to public safety and justice in southern New Mexico.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Current license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Up to approximately one year of relevant legal experience.
• Exposure to criminal law, prosecution, or courtroom practice.
• Familiarity with criminal procedure and the rules of evidence.
• Strong legal research, writing, and case-analysis skills.
• Experience collaborating with legal teams, law enforcement, or criminal justice agencies.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A willingness to learn and develop courtroom advocacy skills.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical abilities.
• Sound judgment and receptiveness to supervisory guidance.
• The ability to organize assignments, manage deadlines, and work within established guidelines.
• Clear communication and effective professional relationships.
• A commitment to professionalism, ethical prosecution, justice, and public service.

Make an Impact

This position is an opportunity to begin a meaningful career in public prosecution, learn from experienced attorneys, and advocate for justice while serving victims, families, and the broader community.

If you are a newly licensed or early-career attorney seeking hands‑on courtroom experience, mentorship, and an opportunity to serve the citizens of southern New Mexico, we encourage you to apply.

Posting Extended: Applications will be accepted until close of business November 30, 2026.

The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified professionals dedicated to public service.