Senior Criminal Defense Attorney - SVO SE New Mexico

You are here

Job location
505 Marquette Ave. NW, Suite 120
Albuquerque, NM 87102
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Law Offices of The Public Defender
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

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. May direct and supervise a unit or an office of the Law Offices of the Public Defender in providing professional Criminal Defense of indigent clients.

Nature of Work
The Senior Criminal Defense Attorney serves as the lead attorney in Serious Violent Offense cases or who manages/supervises and trains a unit of Public Defender Attorneys that represent and afford clients due process in Juvenile, Metropolitan, District courts, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of NM in criminal cases. They meet with clients, file and argue motions, investigate cases, interview witnesses, proceed to trial and file appeals if necessary.

The Law Offices of the Public Defender strives to holistically represent clients and address socio-economic issues that affect a client's future and reduce recidivism rates. They research the state and federal Constitution, NM statutes, Supreme Court and court of Appeals decisions. They file motions and summarize cases to judges and present the facts to juries. They prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state courts. They will analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge derived from investigation and case law to determine whether a client should enter into a plea or go to trial. Lastly, they operate as liaison among the different entities in the criminal justice system.

JOB EXPECTATIONS:
The Senior Criminal Defense Attorney encompasses two (2) classifications of attorneys within the LOPD. The selected candidate will be placed into the appropriate classification based on their individual qualifications and the needs of the job. The two classifications covered are the Trial Attorney and the Managing Attorney. For more information about both classifications, please read below.

Trial Attorney
Trial Attorneys handle complex and difficult cases in first through fourth degree felonies, misdemeanor and juvenile cases plus at this level the attorney is required to co-counsel and provide direction, training and assistance to lower level attorneys.

May be required to direct, coordinate and supervise less experienced attorneys, other professionals and clerical staff.
Conducts legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, rules of procedure and evidence in preparation of cases.
Independently reviews and investigates client cases to determine legal position and legal strategy.
Prepares for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews and reparation of witnesses to testify without direct supervision.

Researches changes in laws, legislation, rules, court decisions, case precedents, to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients without direct supervision.
Independently counsels and advises clients on cases such as pleadings, arraignments, trials, appeals.
Represents the client in legal matters, such as motions, hearings, litigation and appeals.
Explains, interprets and keeps client informed on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues and problems without direct supervision.
Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skill and knowledge.
Conducts plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
Follows through on case by ensuring client release, client payments. Performs related work as required.

Managing Attorney
An LOPD Managing Attorney has the knowledge and experience to perform the duties of a Trial attorney. They are also responsible for managing, training, directing, coordinating and supervising a unit of Public Defender attorneys or for providing advice and training direction to less experienced attorneys while acting as lead counsel of the highest complexity in first through fourth degree felonies, misdemeanor cases, juvenile cases, trial or appeals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Current license as an attorney issued by the NM Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by NM Supreme Court and four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's License.

Collective Bargaining: This position may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.

Default FLSA: Exempt.

Geographic Pay Differential: This position may qualify for Geographic Pay Differential. Please refer to the LOPD website, Geographic Differential, for more information.

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.

This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.lopdnm.us/

Requirements: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Current license as an attorney issued by the NM Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by NM Supreme Court and four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's License.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$52,416.00 - $105,726.40 Annually
Submission deadline: 
Monday, February 12, 2018