The District Defender is the lead attorney and leader of a judicial district. District Defenders are responsible for the overall management of an office(s), including administration, personnel, supervision, training, caseload management, ethics, and all areas necessary to secure the best possible representation for our clients. District Defenders are the leaders of the system who consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the representation of the poor. District Defenders carry a reduced caseload as set forth by the Chief Public Defender, which will enable them to effectively manage the office(s).
The nature of this position will devote a substantial portion of time overseeing and managing the operations of the District Office. District Defenders must consistently demonstrate a respectful and professional demeanor in the workplace and expect the same from their staff. All District Defenders must direct and supervise their office and appoint employees in keeping with the provisions of the Public Defender Act, and all other personnel policies. The District Defender may promote, discipline, suspend, and remove employees of his/her office subject to the terms and conditions of the LOPD personnel policies, applicable labor contracts, and applicable laws. They are accountable for the office performance and discharge of responsibility in conforming to all legal requirements. The District Defender reviews, tracks and assigns cases to subordinate attorneys.
Depending on the judicial district moderate to extensive travel may be required including overnight stays.. The District Defender shall serve at the pleasure of the Chief Public Defender and be responsible directly to the Deputy Chief Public Defender.
This position is an appointed position by the Chief Public Defender.Pay Information
***This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually.
Hourly pay differential reflects a retention pay incentive, as applicable to the position advertised.**
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.
For more information about living in Las Cruces, New Mexico,
click here.
The District Defender:- Effective management skills necessary to lead and manage a complex legal environment through multiple staff of attorneys and administrative support staff.
- Ability to work as a member of a defense team, proficiency in computer-based research, and the ability to task-prioritize.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, and Local statutes, relating to the defense ofindigents; Comprehensive legal research and analysis skills.
- Extensive knowledge of juvenile delinquency, preliminary hearings, Habeas Corpus hearings, Trials, including pre-and post-trial motions, post-conviction hearings, criminal extradition hearings, issues related to probation, parole, and revocations, commitments under the Mental Health and Retardation Act, and other areas where representation is constitutionally required.
- Must possess a thorough knowledge of the statutes, regulations, operations, and structure of the local legal environment.
- Must be able to handle emergency or crisis situations.
- Must be able to process and retain large amounts of information.
- Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
- Must be able to withstand a moderate noise level in the work environment.
- Must have a valid driver's license where courts and jails are not located within walking distance of the office.
- Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form,
- Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without accommodations, which are:
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time,
- Ability to use all necessary electronic devices, especially computers,
- Ability to transport themselves and their work files to court, jail, investigations, and any other place where their physical presence is required,
- Ability to lift, move, or transport case files which can weigh up to 20 pounds, and
- Ability to review all discovery, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examine physical evidence, and view crime scenes.
- Attorneys in this position may not engage in private law practice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Current license as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for a limited license issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Six (6) years of experience as a practicing attorney, of which two (2) years must be in a supervisory and/or mentoring role.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.
Collective Bargaining: This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Default FLSA: Exempt
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.
Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.
