Associate Appellate Attorney - Santa Fe

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Job location
Santa Fe, NM
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
State of New Mexico - Law Offices of the Public Defender
State: 
New Mexico
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.

LOPD represents clients in criminal courts and defends clients when they are accused of committing criminal offenses. LOPD attorneys represent and afford clients with due process in juvenile, magistrate, 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 any necessary appeals. The LOPD strives to holistically represent clients and address socio-economic issues that affect a client's future and reduce recidivism rates. They research the rules of procedure and rules of evidence. They file motions and summarize cases to judges and present the facts to juries. They prepare legal briefs and file appeals in state courts of appeal. They 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. The appellate division listens to the record and determines if errors have been made by the lower courts based on their knowledge of the law.

Job Expectations

• The Associate Trial Attorney is required to have the legal knowledge and experience to independently handle misdemeanor/ juvenile and first through fourth degree felony cases or simple to complex appeals.
• 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 and client payments.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Current license as an attorney issued by the NM Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by NM Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid 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.

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 one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$47,444.80 - $86,590.40 Annually
Submission deadline: 
Thursday, July 5, 2018