Public Defender

The objective summary of this job classification is 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.

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is proud to announce a recent increase to the starting pay for the Public Defender 2 (PD2) classification to $37.74 hourly for selected candidates. This investment reflects our commitment to attracting top-tier advocacy talent.

*** This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $5.30 hourly / $11,024.00 annually.***

Hourly pay differential reflects geographical and retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised.

Public Defender 2's are typically paid an hourly rate that ranges from $37.74 ($78,499.20 annually) to $40.00 ($83,200.00 annually).

For more information about living in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Collective Bargaining:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.

In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding, classifications identified as Exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours worked over 80 hours in a pay period. These classifications are eligible for compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor.

These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.

Geographic Pay Differential:
This position may qualify for Geographic Pay Differential. Please refer to LOPD website, Geographic Differential, for more information.

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.