Overview:

The Criminal Appeals Division within the New Mexico Department of Justice represents the State of New Mexico in criminal appellate and post-conviction proceedings. The Division works not only to do justice in particular cases, but also to advance and develop the law in a positive direction.

Responsibilities:

Assistant Solicitors General (ASGs), must research legal issues carefully, write persuasively, and argue in court effectively. In addition to drafting appellate briefs, the position may also occasionally involve working on writs and expedited pretrial detention appeals, state habeas matters, and on the rare occasion, federal habeas matters. ASGs must be able to master complex and extensive records. At the same time, ASGs are responsible for managing a caseload and adhering to deadlines. ASGs may also be required to advise state prosecutors on appellate questions and strategy, serve on state and national committees, present at conferences, and perform other criminal-appeals-related duties as directed by the Solicitor General.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
• Background in criminal law and an interest in broader policy questions.
• Experience in researching and dealing with complex legal issues.
• Skilled in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Must exercise good judgment to select effective legal strategies and identify important issues.
• Must have the patience to comb through extensive records as well as the ability to work quickly when necessary.
• Must be professional and courteous when interacting with prosecutors, judges, opposing counsel, and co-workers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $77,354.00 - $139,238.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• Bar (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Fe, NM 87501 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Fe, NM 87501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person