Assistant Solicitor General - Criminal Appeals

Job Overview
The Criminal Appeals Division within the New Mexico Department of Justice represents the State of New Mexico in criminal appellate and post-conviction proceedings. The Division works not only to do justice in particular cases, but also to advance and develop the law in a positive direction.

Assistant Solicitors General (ASGs) represent the State in criminal appellate and post-conviction proceedings. On the appellate side, ASGs defend lawful convictions and seek relief when lower courts rule against the State. In their post-conviction role, ASGs protect lawful convictions from collateral attack and represent the State and wardens.

Responsibilities

Researching legal issues carefully, write persuasively, and argue in court effectively. In addition to drafting appellate briefs, the position may also occasionally involve working on writs and expedited pretrial detention appeals, state habeas matters, and on the rare occasion, federal habeas matters. Master complex and extensive records. At the same time, ASGs are responsible for managing a caseload and adhering to deadlines. ASGs may also be required to advise state prosecutors on appellate questions and strategy, serve on state and national committees, present at conferences, and perform other criminal-appeals-related duties as directed by the Solicitor General.

Skills

An ideal candidate would have a background in criminal law and an interest in broader policy questions. The candidate would have experience in researching and dealing with complex legal issues. He or she would be skilled in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. ASGs must exercise good judgment to select effective legal strategies and identify important issues. Effective ASGs must have the patience to comb through extensive records as well as the ability to work quickly when necessary. The ideal candidate would be professional and courteous when interacting with prosecutors, judges, opposing counsel, and co-workers.

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school 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/.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $81,349.00 - $130,159.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person