Criminal Defense Attorney (3341)

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association is seeking a Public Defender attorney to represent juvenile and adult indigent clients in the Law Offices of the Public Defender in New Mexico. The role encompasses litigation, appeals, counsel, research and analysis across multiple defense levels.

Positions PD2, PD3, and PD4 handle misdemeanors through felonies with varying supervision. Ongoing training and case reviews are expected to maintain professional skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court.
• One (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney for PD3 and four (4) years for PD4.

Responsibilities

• Handle a variety of misdemeanors and may assist in juvenile cases and youthful offender cases.
• Represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to lower level attorneys.
• Conduct plea bargaining with District Attorneys to resolve cases.
• Prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court with some direction.

Job description

Position Description

Objectives Summary

The objective summary for this job classification is to provide professional legal services for the Law Offices of the Public Defender in representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in areas of litigation, appeal, counsel, research and analysis.

Essential Functions

Criminal Defense Attorney PD2, PD3 or PD4:

Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 2, 3, or 4 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.

Public Defender 2 (PD2)

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.

Will conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.

Will 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)

Attorneys at this level should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.

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.

Will conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.

Will 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 4 (PD4)

Positions at this level handle 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.

Will 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.

Performs related and other duties as assigned.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at a PD4, PD3, PD2 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD4.

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.