Legal Associate

Job Title: Legal Support Specialist

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.

Essential functions include determining applicant eligibility for representation, acting as a liaison for attorneys to maintain communication between attorneys and clients, drafting legal instruments, assisting in document preparation, and preparing 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: In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD's Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding classifications identified as non-exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours (subject to approval from a supervisor) worked over 40 hours in a work week (begins on Saturday). These classifications may decline overtime. LOPD compensates with compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at a 1.5x rate in lieu of cash payments, if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability. 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.