Closing Date: 2nd August, 2025

Description:

Objectives Summary:
At our Law Offices of the Public Defender in Roswell, NM, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's legal landscape. While we have a dedicated office in Roswell, we wholeheartedly welcome candidates who can telework and manage their cases effectively from anywhere across the United States.

Your primary focus will be on providing high-quality legal services, developing strategies, and advocating for clients in court. If you're ready to take the next challenge in your legal career, work with zealous colleagues, and represent clients who need your expertise in Roswell, we'd love you to apply for this position.

But that's not all! We offer an attractive compensation package, including additional pay differentials for selected candidates, ensuring that your dedication and hard work are recognized:

Out-of-state differential: Selected candidates residing outside of New Mexico can benefit from a generous pay differential upon hire and beginning when they are licensed to practice law in New Mexico. The differential amount is paid separately from the base hourly pay and is negotiable but shall not exceed the maximum pay of the assigned job classification's salary range without the Chief Public Defender's prior approval.
Temporary recruitment differential: All selected candidates, regardless of where they reside, may be eligible for a temporary recruitment pay differential that is paid separately from their base rate of pay for up to one year from the date of hire, and the date they are licensed to practice law in New Mexico. The pay differential is administered separately from base/hourly pay and is negotiable up to 15% of the hourly pay rate, with the Chief Public Defender's approval.
Geographical Pay Differential: For those selected and living within or around Roswell, New Mexico, a Geographical Pay Differential, separate from their base pay, is eligible upon hire. Selected candidates are expected to work in the Roswell office, unless other arrangements are agreed to. The current pay differential for eligible Roswell employees is $3.75/hour, or $7,800.00 annually, and is negotiable up to $3.75, dependent on the selected candidate's qualifications and work experience.
Licensing Fees and Bar Dues: The LOPD will pay or reimburse selected candidates for these fees and dues in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
All selected candidates are eligible for travel reimbursement in accordance with the State of NM travel and per diem rules, ensuring you're supported while traveling as you work tirelessly for your clients and upon hire.

Below is a list of the average hourly rates of pay for current employees in public defender job classifications, from lowest to highest.

Public Defender 2: Average pay ranges from $32.70Hourly to $37.07
Public Defender 3: Average pay ranges from $43.91Hourly to $55.00
Public Defender 4: Average pay ranges from $49.66Hourly to $57.95

Are you willing to relocate? Discover Your Next Chapter in Roswell, New Mexico

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying an affordable and welcoming community, Roswell may be the perfect place to call home.

As a Public Defender in Roswell, you'll have the chance to build a rewarding legal career, advocate for your clients, and become part of a close-knit professional community—all while enjoying a quality of life that's hard to find in larger metropolitan areas.

Why Consider Living in Roswell?

Affordable Cost of Living – Housing costs and everyday expenses are generally lower than in many other parts of New Mexico and the Southwest, making it easier to purchase a home, reduce commuting costs, and enjoy your income.

Minimal Traffic and Short Commutes – Spend less time in traffic and more time with family, friends, or pursuing your interests.
Family-Friendly Community – Roswell offers a welcoming atmosphere, local events, parks, and recreational opportunities that appeal to individuals and families alike.
Over 280 Days of Sunshine Each Year – Enjoy New Mexico's beautiful climate with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Outdoor Recreation Nearby – Explore hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities at nearby lakes, parks, and public lands.
Convenient Access – Roswell provides regional air service and is within driving distance of larger New Mexico and Texas cities, offering the benefits of a smaller community with access to broader amenities.
A City with Character – Known worldwide for its unique history and culture, Roswell features museums, festivals, local restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene that make it an interesting and enjoyable place to live.
Opportunity to Make a Difference – Attorneys in Roswell play a vital role in serving the community and ensuring access to justice for clients who need dedicated legal representation.

Build Your Career While Enjoying a Great Quality of Life: Whether you're an experienced attorney or just beginning your legal career, relocating to Roswell offers the opportunity to grow professionally while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Combined with competitive compensation, available pay incentives, and the satisfaction of public service, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Join us in Roswell and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits.

Essential Functions:
Criminal Defense Attorney PD2, PD3 or PD4:
Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 2, 3, or 4 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.

Public Defender 2 (PD2):

Attorneys at this level will handle a variety of misdemeanors and may assist in juvenile cases and youthful offender cases.
May assist higher level attorneys with complex cases.
Work is performed under the direction, guidance and supervision from more experienced colleagues and supervisor/manager.
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 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.

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

Minimum Qualifications:
PD2: Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court.

PD3: 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.

PD4: Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney.

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

Emp