Trial Attorney/Senior Trial Attorney (Competency Team)

THIS IS AN AT WILL POSITION. THE ELECTED DISTRICT ATTORNEY HAS FINAL DISCRETION IN HIRING AND RETAINING FOR THIS POSITION, INCLUDING WHICH
QUALIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS WILL APPLY

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 a Trial Attorney for our competency team. 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. 

*Purpose: This position is for the assessment and management of competency cases in the Second Judicial District. The attorney will evaluate defendants and cases to determine dangerousness, possible competency restoration, appropriate treatment/diversion, or involuntary commitments.  The attorney will coordinate with the newly formed competency team and community stakeholders to determine best practices and procedures. The attorney will manage a caseload and advocate for the State in competency related proceedings in both Metropolitan and District Court. 
* Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Position requires knowledge and skills in criminal prosecution, such as; knowledge of the rules of evidence, rules of criminal procedure and state statutes; Ability to screen cases and make appropriate charging decisions; Initiate cases through a Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury; Conducting legal research, drafting legal documents and litigating motions; In-court activities including preventative detention hearings, conditions of release hearings, dangerousness hearings; status hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencing hearings, civil commitment proceedings and other settings; Review of arrest warrants and search warrants; and speaking with victims and witnesses of crime, members of the judiciary, defense bar and law enforcement partners. Attorneys will be responsible for seeking appropriate competency and mental health outcomes for defendants including diversion, competency restoration, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, and Civil Commitment. 
Trial attorneys will be closely mentored by senior attorneys as they navigate practice in Metropolitan and District Court. Attorneys will also have available a multitude of trainings, both locally through the AODA and nationally through the NDAA. The Office Of The DA also provides trainings in specialized areas of prosecution. Position also requires: Strong organizational skills and ability to handle a large caseload of multiple types of felony offenses; Basic computer skills including a working knowledge of office systems in Microsoft and Google; Ability to communicate effectively, work independently and timely analyze complex information and situations.

* Requirements: 

Trial Attorney: 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.  

SeniorTrial Attorney: Licensed attorney to practice law in good standing either in New Mexico or another state with a New Mexico limited license, plus a minimum of four (4) years as a practicing attorney in criminal law or three (3) years as a prosecuting attorney.

* Preferred Qualifications:

Trial Attorney: Two (2) or more years as a prosecuting attorney.

Senior Trial Attorney: 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. 

This is a grant funded position with a term of at least two (2) years. Employment is dependent upon funding.  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.