Legal Associate - Santa Fe

As a Legal Associate, you will play a critical role in our mission by delivering high-quality support services in a fast-paced legal environment. Your work directly contributes to ensuring fair representation for our clients. At the Law Offices of the Public Defender, we represent our community members in court, those who can't afford an attorney while facing criminal charges. It's important and rewarding work.

As a State of New Mexico employee, you have access to generous retirement and insurance benefits on top of LOPD's supportive and flexible working environment. Legal Associate salaries range from $24.96 – $28.39 per hour ($51,916.80 – $59,051.20 annually). This is a full-time position.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine need-based eligibility for legal representation in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines
• Serve as a liaison between attorneys and clients, maintaining clear and timely communication
• Draft legal instruments, assist with document preparation, prepare correspondence, and perform limited investigative tasks
• Conduct legal research and provide other non-investigative support activities
• Assist attorneys in complex or difficult situations, helping to identify and describe legal problem areas
• Consult with staff attorneys regarding case acceptance and case management
• Utilize web-based case management and tracking systems
• Provide work direction and guidance to lower-level staff when needed
• Perform related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of relevant work experience drafting/preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research, and maintaining a case management/tracking system OR
• Any equivalent combination of education (from an accredited college or university in a related field) and/or direct experience totaling two (2) years

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license
• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement
• Preference may be given to multilingual applicants

How to Apply

Apply through our official portal or visit our careers page for full details and application instructions:

https://www.lopdnm.us/join-our-team/

(or search for posting #3348 on GovernmentJobs.com)

For more information, contact:

Law Offices of the Public Defender

301 N. Guadalupe Street, Suite 200

Santa Fe, NM 87501

Phone: 505.395.2824

Website: http://www.lopdnm.us/

We look forward to welcoming passionate, detail-oriented professionals who are ready to support justice in New Mexico!