About This Role
This full-time role provides crucial support to attorneys within the New Mexico Federal Public Defender's Albuquerque office, acting as a key link between legal staff and clients. The position is ideal for a dedicated individual committed to providing high-quality legal representation to clients charged with federal crimes.
Responsibilities
- Provide support to attorneys and act as a liaison between attorneys and clients
- Interact and communicate frequently with FPD staff, clients and their families, court personnel, and the public
- Use advanced knowledge of legal terminology, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and case management programs (Defender Data, SECRIS, CM/ECF, PACER, etc.)
- Prepare memorandums, motions, pleadings, and other correspondence
- Edit and proof-read documents
- Electronically file pleadings
- Answer phones and general inquiries about the defender organization and program operations
- Accurately maintain and manage calendars for multiple attorneys
- Manage digital and paper case files
- Proactively anticipate needs of attorneys, including sending reminders of appointments, commitments, and deadlines
- Screen incoming mail and route mail appropriately
- Transport documents between the office, courthouse, and post office
- Effectively perform all other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Strong, reliable, self-motivated work ethic and an ability to work well with minimal supervision
- Social and emotional intelligence, effective people and communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Excellent oral and written skills and a strong ability to prioritize and organize your day
- One to three years’ experience, one of which must be prior legal assistant experience
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed to field offices and/or for training
- Dedication to the organization’s mission and an interest in indigent defense
- High school degree or equivalent
Nice to have:
- Experience with federal criminal defense practice
- Experience with office confidentiality clauses such as attorney/client privilege
- Certificate or degree in paralegal studies or criminal justice
- Previous leadership/training/mentoring experience
- Ability to analyze and make recommendations for process improvements
- Spanish language proficiency (speaking, writing, or both)
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 13 to 26 days of earned annual leave depending on years of service