Appellate Public Defender 2 - Santa Fe, NM

You are here

Job location
1411 Paseo de Peralta Bldg #1
Santa Fe, NM 87501
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Law Offices of The Public Defender
Street address: 
1411 Paseo de Peralta Bldg #1
City: 
Santa Fe
State: 
New Mexico
ZIP: 
87501
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

To provide professional legal services for the Law Offices of the Public Defender in representing juvenile and adult indigent clients in areas of litigation, appeal, counsel, research and analysis.

Specific to the Appellate Division, attorneys at this level carry an exclusively appellate caseload and the position is research and writing oriented. The attorney will analyze the probable outcomes of cases based on the appellate record and legal research to advise clients on post-conviction options and remedies. Appellate attorneys consult with clients and trial counsel, review the record, and conduct extensive legal research to identify and litigate errors made in the lower courts. Arguments are presented in written appellate pleadings and through occasional oral argument at the New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Attorneys at this level should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile cases with supervision and mentor ship. Familiarity with the New Mexico Constitution and Criminal Code preferred. Trial experience is not required

Essential Functions

Public Defender (PA2)

Attorneys at this level may handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanor, juvenile, youthful offender or appellate cases.
May assist higher level Attorneys with complex cases.
Advise and counsel clients regarding case strategy and possible outcomes.
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.
Performs related and other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:
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.

Requirements: 

Minimum Qualifications

License to practice law in New Mexico, or eligible for a limited license issued by NM Supreme Court.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

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.

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.

To apply: 
Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$53,996.80 - $124,966.40 Annually
Submission deadline: 
Sunday, April 17, 2022