Posting Details

The Office of Family Representation and Advocacy is currently hiring Staff Attorneys and a Supervising Attorney for our Las Cruces office. These positions will begin remotely, with a transition to in-office work once our physical location becomes available, which is expected to occur this fiscal year.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

The Office of Family Representation and Advocacy (OFRA) is a State Executive Agency that exists to provide high quality legal representation and advocacy for children and parents, guardians, and custodians in child abuse and neglect cases. The agency is in the process of creating the positions necessary to fulfill its statutory requirements and implement its strategic plan.
Why does the job exist?

This position exists to provide day-to-day supervisory support for staff attorneys, and other legal support staff, under the Legal Division to ensure the highest quality legal representation for those involved in New Mexico's child welfare system.
How does it get done?

Duties of this position include:

• Manage attorney caseloads and direct the work of trial attorneys.
• Develop and provide training and job aids (e.g., sample briefs, motions, forms, case summaries, etc) for OFRA Attorneys and Interdisciplinary Legal Teams.
• Provide legal consultation services to indigent parents, guardians, and custodians contemplating voluntary placement of their children in state custody.
• Interview witnesses, identify experts, obtain and review discovery.
• Collaborate with OFRA Divisions to ensure that clients receive other appropriate services and support.

Who are the customers?

New Mexico children, youth, eligible young adults, indigent parents, and other legal parties who are the subject or at risk of being the subject of proceedings designated by OFRA, as defined by statute.
Ideal Candidate

New Mexico children, youth, eligible young adults, indigent parents, and other legal parties who are the subject or at risk of being the subject of proceedings designated by OFRA, as defined by statute.
Minimum Qualification

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and five (5) years of experience in the practice 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). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit http://nmexam.org/limited- license/
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Leslie Jones, (505) 549-3905 or leslie.jones@ofra.nm.gov. Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.