Criminal Defense Attorney (73223)

Objectives Summary

Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood.

Do you have what it takes to be a Public Defender?

Are you motivated by a desire to help those who society has largely abandoned? Do you enjoy the role of advocating for the underdog?

The New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender is excited to announce opportunities to join our team and be on the front lines of criminal justice reform!

We are growing our Albuquerque Felony team and have multiple job opportunities in this beautiful city.

Why consider moving to Albuquerque? How about the beautiful landscape and 310 days of sunshine each year! Moving here means getting four seasons!

Living in Albuquerque means beautiful sunsets, stunning lights and scenic landscaping.

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 [email protected]

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.