$19.24 – $30.78 Hourly
$40,018 – $64,029 Annually
This position is a Pay Band 60
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
To assist with administrative, secretarial, and paralegal duties for the Criminal Appeals Division.
How does it get done?
The Criminal Appeals Paralegal is responsible for accepting service of all Federal Habeas Petitions from the U.S. District Court; acquiring historical documents from courts throughout the state; assembling procedural and factual histories of inmate cases; and ensuring all necessary pleadings and documents are available for review and attachment as exhibits to State pleadings. The Paralegal also supports the Deputy Solicitor General and, as needed, the Solicitor General, as well as the attorneys in Criminal Appeals Division as needed. The Paralegal should be capable of drafting motions, responsive pleadings, and affidavits for review; perform legal research; and source- and cite-check using the Bluebook and other sources. The Paralegal also maintains electronic and paper files for the division, communicates regularly with Court Clerks’ Offices, assists with timekeeping and organization for the division, and other administrative and secretarial duties as necessary. This paralegal will also work with two other paralegals within the division, as well as the Civil Appeals Paralegal and the Solicitor General Paralegal to ensure consistency and regular organization within the Solicitor General Office.
Who are the customers?
The State of New Mexico and its citizens.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience working with cases in the judicial system of New Mexico or comparable jurisdiction; experience working under the supervision of a judge, attorney, or individual with comparable legal training; and a degree and/or certification in a formal paralegal educational program or comparable specialized educational program or related experience.
Minimum Qualification
Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and two (2) years of experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience 2 Associate’s degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 2 years of experience Associate’s degree or higher in any field AND 4 years of experience 3 Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.
• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of “semester hours” in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.
Employment Requirements
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 as a condition of continued employment as some statewide travel maybe required. Employment requires successful completion of post offer pre-employment physical and is subject to criminal background check and is conditional pending results of criminal background check. Must be a citizen of the United States; be eighteen (18) years of age or older; be of good moral character and not have been convicted of a felony offense by a court of this state, any other state or the United States.
Working Conditions
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting, including during public meetings and hearings. Must be able to lift 25 lbs, and some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Travel will be required, including occasional overnight trips, and candidates must have or be able to obtain a New Mexico driver’s license in order to receive a certification to drive a state vehicle upon employment.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
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Agency Contact Information:Dean Woulard 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.