Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote Candidates

Public Defender 4:
Average pay ranges from $49.90 - $58.53 per hour

Public Defender 5:
Average pay ranges from $56.00 - 70.58 per hour

Join us at LOPD and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits!

Essential Functions:
Criminal Defense Attorney PD3, PD4 or PD5:
Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 3, 4, or 5 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.

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.

Public Defender 5 (PD5):

• Positions at this level handle all levels of criminal cases and legal matters including the most complex felonies, including high profile cases, such as capital cases.
• Can act with independence with little guidance.
• Has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to handle an appellate caseload.
• Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court.
• Incumbents in positions at this level are recognized as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
• Positions at this level may also provide supervision from a lead work perspective to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
• Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
• Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels.
• Provides key input into the development of policies and procedures for the assigned organization unit and/or program.
• Trains, coordinates and advises less experienced public defender attorneys to include co-counseling.
• Conducts legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, procedural rules, in preparation of cases.
• Reviews and investigates client cases to determine legal position and propose legal strategy.
• Prepares for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews, preparation of witnesses to testify.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Depending on location: may assist with (CLIP) program or coordinate volunteer/intern/extern programs.

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 PD5, PD4, PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD5.

Minimum Qualifications:
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.

Employment Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

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

Default FLSA: Exempt: (including Managers/Supervisors, Executive, Administrative, Professional Exempt Status): In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD's Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding, classifications identified as Exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours worked over 80 hours in a pay period. These classifications are eligible for compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.

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.

Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.