Here’s what the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender is looking for:

Attorneys that are committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients.

Attorneys interested in positively impacting the lives of clients through holistic representation.

Attorneys that have the ability to stand up for a client, and stand up to “the system.”

Attorneys who are excited about the opportunity to gain vast amounts of courtroom and litigation experience, familiarity with state statutes and working knowledge of the rules of evidence and trial practice.

Public Defender 2

Average PD2 Pay: $32.20/hour $66,976.00/annual

Public Defender 3

Average PD3 Pay: $40.99/hour $85,259.20/annual

If you have any questions, you can contact hiring managing attorney Julpa Dave at Julpa.dave@lopdnm.us 

Essential Functions

Criminal Defense Attorney PD2 or PD3:

Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 2 or 3 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.

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

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 license 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.

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.

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.