Public Defender: District Defender 2nd Judicial District, Albuquerque, NM

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Job location
NM
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Law Offices of The Public Defender New Mexico
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

Duties of District Public Defender
A. Under the supervision and control of the chief, each district public defender shall administer the operation of the department office within his district.

The District Defender is the lead attorney and leader of a judicial district. District Defenders are responsible for the overall management of an office(s), including administration, personnel, supervision, training, caseload management, ethics, and all areas necessary to secure the best possible representation for our clients. District Defenders are the leaders of the system who consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the representation of the poor. District Defenders carry a reduced caseload as set forth by the Chief Public Defender, which will enable them to effectively manage their office(s).

The nature of this position requires a substantial portion of time overseeing and managing the operations of the District Office. District Defenders must consistently demonstrate a respectful and professional demeanor in the workplace and expect the same from their staff. All District Defenders must direct and supervise their office and appoint employees in accordance with the provisions of the Public Defender Act, and all other personnel policies. The District Defender may promote, discipline, suspend, and remove employees of his/her office subject to the terms and conditions of the LOPD personnel policies, applicable labor contracts, applicable laws, and subject to review by the Chief Public Defender. They are accountable for the office performance and discharge of responsibility in conforming to all legal requirements. The District Defender reviews, tracks and assigns cases to subordinate attorneys. Depending on the judicial district moderate to extensive travel may be required including overnight stays. . The District Defender serves at the pleasure of the Chief Public Defender and must share the vision of of the Chief Public Defender for the leadership and operation of the LOPD.
JOB EXPECTATIONS:
The District Defender:
Effective management skills necessary to lead and manage complex legal environment through multiple staff of attorneys and administrative support staff.
Ability to work as a member of a defense team, proficiency in computer-based research, and the ability to task-prioritize.
Comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State and Local statutes, relating to the defense of indigents; Comprehensive legal research and analysis skills.
Extensive knowledge of juvenile delinquency, preliminary hearings, Habeas Corpus hearings, Trials, including pre-and post-trial motions, post-conviction hearings, criminal extradition hearings, issues related to probation, parole and revocations, commitments under the Mental Health and Retardation Act, other areas where representation is constitutionally required
Must possess a thorough knowledge of the statues, regulations, operations and structure of the local legal environment
Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.
Must be able to process and retain large amounts of information.
Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
Must be able to withstand a moderate noise level in the work environment.
Must have a valid driver's license where courts and jails are not located within walking distance of the office.
Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form, and carry out LOPD policies and priorities.
Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without accommodations, which are:
Ability to sit for extended periods of time,
Ability to use all necessary electronic devices especially computers,
Ability to transport themselves and their work files to court, jail, investigations and any other place where their physical presence is required,
Ability to lift, move or transport case files which can weigh up to 20 pounds, and
Ability to review all discovery, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examine physical evidence and view crime scenes.
Attorneys in this position may not engage in private law practice.

Requirements: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for a limited license issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court and eight (8) years of experience as a practicing attorney, of which two (2) years must be in a management role.

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

Collective Bargaining: This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Default FLSA: Exempt

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on 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.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$56,239.04 - $139,191.52 Annually
Submission deadline: 
Wednesday, July 11, 2018