Attorney - (Custody Arraignments)

The Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney improves the quality of life of the citizens of Bernalillo County by reducing crime through thoughtful enforcement of the law and the development of a criminal justice system. The Office is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is seeking applicants for an Attorney for a grant funded Custody Arraignment position in our Metro Division. Pursuant to the New Mexico District Attorney’s Compensation Plan, the position of attorney is “At Will” and serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney. Please submit all resumes to https://berncoda.com/careers/

* Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Position requires advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of criminal prosecution; rules of evidence and rules of criminal procedure; public relations; organization; basic computer skills including working knowledge of office systems; effective trial skills; ability to research and draft legal documents; work effectively with other criminal justice agencies; mentor and guide less experienced attorneys; communicate effectively; analyze information and situations. Works independently, makes decisions within guidelines and is responsible for case screening and initiation, approving/disapproving charges, case preparation, in-court activities and post-case activity including closing.

The primary function of the Metro Attorney Custody Arraignment Position is to handle custody arraignments Monday through Friday morning. The Attorney will review the daily custody docket and determine which “non-record/ officer prosecuted” cases can be resolved.  Offers on cases are expected to be emailed to the Public Defender and the courts by 7:30a.m. The attorney in this position will therefore likely need to be able to work a flex schedule beginning at 6:00am. The position also requires the attorney to maintain statistics of the daily custody arraignment dockets including accepted and rejected plea offers and conditions of release outcomes; those statistics shall be documented and shared with Bernalillo County Legal. 

The attorney will also be tasked with being the initial screening attorney for all DWI, DV, and Shoplifting cases that come into Metro Division. Screening will include amending charges and filing motions (Sandoval/Grace, Excusals, etc.) immediately, keeping statistics, and flagging issues for the assigned ADA. Screening will also include working with paralegals and secretaries to expedite certain cases. Attorney will also act as the backup attorney for Felony First Appearances.

Attorney will at times be asked to handle a normal metro docket and conduct PTIs as needed in the office. Knowledge of both bench and jury trials is required, as well as knowledge of all Metro Specialty Courts, preliminary hearings, CORs, probation violation hearings, and Felony First Appearances.
Attorney should be comfortable with Zoom and Microsoft Office Suite, including the ability to work with both spreadsheets and know how to edit word documents and PDFs.  Attorney will work independently but under the oversight of the division supervisors. As such, the Attorney must possess analytical skills and be able to quickly evaluate cases for offers, amendments, and diversion offers.

* Requirements: Licensed attorney in New Mexico or another State with a New Mexico limited license, plus a minimum of two (2) years as a practicing attorney, or one (1) year as a prosecuting attorney.

* Preferred Qualifications: Five (5) to seven (7) years or more of relevant prosecution experience.

* Working Conditions: Work is performed in office, courtroom, and community environments. Physical effort and travel may be required. Incumbent may be required to work under stressful situations and/or conditions. 

Salary is commensurate with experience. Resume, writing sample and three professional references must be received at the Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney. This advertisement will remain open until filled. Applicants selected for an interview must notify the Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney of the need for a reasonable accommodation due to a Disability. Please submit all resumes to https://berncoda.com/careers/