Closing Date: 31st March, 2024
Description:
Objectives Summary: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 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.
- 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.
