Overview
This position is for a Criminal Defense Attorney at the Public Defender's Office based in Roswell, New Mexico. The role offers flexibility, including the option to telework and manage cases from anywhere in the United States. The primary responsibility is to provide high-quality legal defense services, develop case strategies, and advocate for clients in court.
Responsibilities
Public Defender 2 (PD2)
- Handle a variety of misdemeanor cases and assist with juvenile and youthful offender cases.
- Support higher-level attorneys with complex cases.
- Work under supervision and guidance from experienced colleagues and managers.
- Conduct plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties.
- Attend seminars and training to maintain and develop professional skills.
- Draft, review, and prepare legal documents and reports.
Public Defender 3 (PD3)
- Represent clients in all misdemeanors, juvenile cases, and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
- Provide guidance and mentoring to lower-level attorneys and law clerks.
- Work under direction from higher-level attorneys or managing attorney.
- Conduct plea bargaining when appropriate.
- Attend seminars and training to maintain and develop professional skills.
- Draft, review, and prepare legal documents and reports.
Public Defender 4 (PD4)
- Handle felony cases including burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes, and probation violations with limited supervision.
- Manage more complex felonies with some guidance.
- Prepare and argue appellate cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction.
- Provide guidance and advice to lower-level attorneys.
- Work independently to resolve complex case issues.
- Attend seminars and training to maintain and develop professional skills.
- Draft, review, and prepare legal documents and reports.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Note: Employees may be required to perform duties at PD2, PD3, or PD4 levels without additional compensation and must demonstrate competence across these levels.
Requirements
- Valid attorney license issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligibility for a limited license.
- PD2: Attorney license or eligibility.
- PD3: Attorney license or eligibility plus one year of practicing attorney experience.
- PD4: Attorney license or eligibility plus four years of practicing attorney experience.
- Valid driver's license.
- Employment eligibility to work with the Public Defender's Office in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship available.
- Adherence to collective bargaining agreement terms.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in criminal litigation.
- Trial experience as a public defender.
- Experience working with marginalized populations such as indigent individuals, immigrants, homeless persons, or those with mental health or substance abuse issues.
- Experience preparing and arguing motions.
- Multilingual fluency is preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay rates based on classification:
- Public Defender 2: $32.70 to $37.07 per hour
- Public Defender 3: $43.91 to $55.00 per hour
- Public Defender 4: $49.66 to $57.95 per hour
- Additional pay differentials may apply:
- Out-of-state differential for candidates residing outside New Mexico, negotiable and subject to approval.
- Temporary recruitment differential up to 15% of hourly pay for up to one year.
- Geographical pay differential for candidates living in or near Roswell, currently $3.75/hour or $7,800 annually, negotiable.
- Licensing fees and bar dues paid or reimbursed according to agency policies.
- Travel reimbursement in accordance with state travel and per diem rules.
- Retirement plan and medical program for retirees.
- Access to medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, COBRA, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Location
- Position is based in Roswell, New Mexico.
- Candidates may telework from anywhere in the United States but must be licensed to practice law in New Mexico.
- Relocation to Roswell is encouraged but not required.
Additional Information
- The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
- Equal opportunity employer with non-discrimination policies.
- Multiple vacancies may be filled from this posting.
- Candidates must provide detailed licensure and work experience documentation.
- New Mexico state minimum wage is $12.00 per hour as of January 1, 2023.
Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed information regarding their licensure, years of experience, trial experience, and language proficiency as part of the application process.