Objectives Summary
The objective summary of this job classification is to direct and supervise a felony unit or an office of the Law Offices of the Public Defender in providing professional level services representing clients.
Essential Functions
- Positions at this level provide supervision to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
- May oversee workflow and work assignments of subordinate staff.
- Maintain adequate staffing levels by closely reviewing all requests for leave.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels Attorneys and Law Clerks.
- Provide corrective action and/or directives when necessary to include but not limited to progressive disciplinary action.
- Provide reports and updates to management
- Assist in hiring new employees for the division or unit.
- Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels
- Incumbents in position at this level are recognized as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
- Positions at this level handle a variety of cases including second-degree felony cases such as violent crimes, burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision.
- May handle more complex level felonies, or first-degree cases with some guidance/direction from a higher-level attorney/managing attorney.
- 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.
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.
Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at a PD4 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
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 criminal law experience as a practicing attorney.
Employment Requirements
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 not covered by a collective bargaining agreement..
Default FLSA: Exempt (including Managers/Supervisors, Executive, Administrative, Professional Exempt Status): 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.
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on 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.
