Careers

Position Overview

At-will position, discretion of the elected District Attorney.

Purpose

Prosecution of criminal and non-criminal cases. This is an advanced level position, either as a career prosecutor or in a management/administrative role. This position requires a person willing to try cases and looking to enhance their trial skills.

Supervision

• Supervised by Chief Deputy District Attorney and/or District Attorney.

Examples of Work Performed

• Prosecute all cases, including high-profile trials.
• Lead special prosecutions, execute trials, and manage trial proceedings.
• Provide expertise in specific areas of criminal prosecution.
• Supervise and mentor attorneys and staff.
• Train law enforcement, assist at crime scenes, and perform non-prosecution duties.
• Participate in boards, task forces, and other groups.
• Handle administrative duties as a division or bureau head.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in office, courtroom, community, or legislative environments.
• Some physical effort and travel may be required.
• Must be able to work under stressful situations and/or conditions.
• May be required to go to crime scenes for effective trial management.

Career Prosecutor

• Licensed attorney to practice law in New Mexico plus a minimum of six (6) years of relevant prosecution experience.
• Extensive knowledge in criminal prosecution, rules of evidence, and criminal procedure.
• Strong organization and supervision skills.
• Advanced trial skills.
• Proficiency in computer, audio-visual, and office systems.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to research and analyze information and legal situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed attorney to practice law in New Mexico, plus eight (8) or more years of relevant prosecution experience.

Managing Attorney

• Licensed attorney to practice law in New Mexico plus a minimum of six (6) years of relevant prosecution experience, including at least two (2) years of administrative or management experience.
• Supervisory experience and specialized management training.
• In-depth knowledge of office policies and procedures.
• Understanding of applicable employment laws.
• Strong public relations skills.

Purpose

This is an at-will position. The elected District Attorney has final discretion in hiring and retaining for this role, including determining the applicable qualifications and performance standards.

This position involves the prosecution of criminal and non-criminal cases.

Supervision

• Incumbent receives general supervision from the assigned supervisor.
• May provide supervision to employees and units (e.g., Domestic Violence Unit).
• May offer input on employee development, discipline, and related matters.

Examples of Work Performed

• Prosecutes all levels of crimes.
• Leads or assists in trial teams; performs other non-prosecution duties as assigned.
• Supervises or mentors other attorneys and/or staff.
• Conducts training for staff and law enforcement.
• Collaborates with law enforcement at crime scenes.
• Engages in non-prosecution work such as community outreach; serves on boards, task forces, and assigned groups.
• May initiate special projects such as community education initiatives.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• This is an advanced-level position in the attorney series.
• The incumbent may advance to the next level by gaining relevant experience.
• Complex felony work may be performed under supervision.
• Must be willing to try cases and continually develop trial skills.

Working Conditions

• Work is conducted in office, courtroom, and community environments.
• Some physical effort and travel may be necessary.
• May work under stressful situations or conditions.
• May be required to attend crime scenes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position requires comprehensive and current proficiency in:

• Criminal prosecution
• Rules of evidence and rules of criminal procedure
• Public relations
• Organization and supervision
• Basic computer and office system skills
• Effective trial techniques
• Legal document drafting
• Collaboration with other criminal justice agencies
• Clear and effective communication
• Legal research and analysis

Additional expectations:

• Works independently with minimal supervisory consultation (except for high-profile or complex cases)
• Exercises significant prosecutorial discretion within assigned caseload

Requirements

• Must be a licensed attorney eligible to practice law in New Mexico
• Minimum of four (4) years as a practicing attorney in criminal law
  or three (3) years as a prosecuting attorney

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) to seven (7) years or more of relevant prosecution experience