Legal Associate

Job Title Legal Support Assistant Job Description The objective summary of this job classification is to provide various support activities to attorneys in a legal setting including, but not limited to, determining need-based eligibility for legal services in accordance with laws. Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood. Essential Functions Determine applicant eligibility for representation, act as liaison for attorneys to maintain communication between attorneys and clients, draft legal instruments, assists in document preparation, and prepare correspondence and some investigative tasks. Spend significant portion of time assisting with legal research and other non-investigative support activities. Assists attorneys in difficult situations, identify and describe legal problem areas in consultation with a staff attorney. Utilize web-based programs such as case management/tracking system. Consults with attorney regarding the ability to take certain cases. Knowledge of a range of vocational areas or in depth knowledge of a specialized area. The nature of work performed may involve some routine analysis and end results produced have a moderate impact on the outcomes of the function in which the work is performed. Work at this level may involve providing work direction and guidance to employees at lower levels. The challenges faced in the position are patterned in nature and the incumbent is readily able to recognize the challenge, recall a solution and apply. Performs related and other duties as assigned. Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at an DD level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels AA through DD. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License. Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to. Default FLSA: Non-exempt The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition. This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages. Benefits The State's General Services Department Risk Management Division, Employee Benefits Bureau (EBB), is responsible for the procurement and oversight of employee benefits - including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance. The State's Group Benefits Plan also offers COBRA, Flexible Spending Account Programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Erisa Administrative Services, Inc. (Erisa) is the State's Third Party Administrator. They provide benefits administration to all plan participants, and offer knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees. For more information regarding the plan you can visit the following websites: Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico Website New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority Total Compensation Package As an employee of the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD), you receive regular pay for your services. The other part of your total compensation is the value of the benefits LOPD makes available to you and, if applicable, your family. The Total Compensation Estimator is for illustrative purposes only and provides benefits-eligible employees an estimate of their total compensation based on selected options from the drop-downs in the estimator. This estimator is not a legal document. All benefits are governed by the actual benefit plans, which have precedence over the information reported in this calculator. Rates are not guaranteed and may change annually based on legislative decisions. If you have any questions about this estimator, don't hesitate to get in touch with Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io *State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees* Employers are required by state and federal law to post certain information concerning the rights of employees. The required posters are listed below and may be printed individually using a standard printer and paper. Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - (English (Download PDF reader) ), (Español) (Download PDF reader) Job Safety and Health Protection - ( English) (Download PDF reader), (Español) (Download PDF reader) Employee Polygraph Protection Act - (English) (Download PDF reader), (Español) (Download PDF reader) Family Medical Leave Act - (English) (Download PDF reader), (Español) (Download PDF reader) Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - (English) (Download PDF reader), (Espanol) Employee Rights under USERRA - (English) (Download PDF reader) Please contact View email address on click.appcast.io for questions.