Public Defender ; Remote

At our Law Offices of the Public Defender in Carlsbad, NM, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's legal landscape. While we have a dedicated office in Carlsbad, we wholeheartedly welcome candidates who can telework and manage their cases effectively from a remote location.

Your primary focus will be on providing high-quality legal services, developing strategies, and advocating for clients in court. If you’re ready to take the next challenge in your legal career, work with zealous colleagues, and represent clients who need your expertise in Carlsbad, we’d love you to apply for this position.

*** This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually.***

Hourly pay differential reflect retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised.***

Average pay ranges from $44.25 hourly to $55.55

Join us at LOPD and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits!

• 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.
• Meet with clients, file and argue motions, investigate cases, interview witnesses, proceed to trial and file any necessary appeals.
• Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge derived from investigation and case law to determine whether a client should enter into a plea or go to trial.
• The Appellate Division attorneys of this level interview clients and trial counsel, reviews the record and researches to support arguments that errors have been made by the lower courts.
• 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 PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD3.

Current licensure 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.

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…