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Job Opening – Deputy Solicitor General

Under the Solicitor General, the Deputy Solicitor General – Criminal (DSG) is responsible for managing the Criminal Appeals Division of the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, which involves managing and coordinating several hundred criminal appeals filed each year and supervising 15-20 criminal appeals attorneys and several paralegals in both the Albuquerque and Santa Fe offices. The DSG performs both substantive legal work and managerial and/or administrative responsibilities. On the legal side, the DSG should be an advanced appellate attorney and should be able and willing to handle criminal appeals on behalf of the state and, as necessary, state or federal habeas matters. On the managerial and/or administrative side, the DSG advises, trains, and/or mentors criminal appeals attorneys and fellows and prosecutors on their issues and the successful handling of appeals. The DSG assists the Attorney General, Chief Deputy Attorney General, and Solicitor General with analysis and preparation of constitutional and high-level state and federal appeals, including cases that may be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court. The DSG similarly will be involved with drafting, reviewing, and recommending on multistate amicus briefs in criminal matters. The DSG assists with ensuring timely, high-quality, and consistent appeals are handled by the Office, and advises on various related and derivative affairs, such as certiorari review, extraordinary writs, and concessions. The DSG is also responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training new criminal appeals attorneys as appropriate; working with other divisions within the Agency to advise on legal issues and appellate strategy; managing the Agency’s involvement with statewide and national organizations and committees and coordinating the Division’s responsibilities as D.A. Liaison; performing human resources responsibilities including evaluations and performance plans as appropriate; serving as the Agency’s liaison with courts and other state agencies; and coordinating press involvement on criminal matters.

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Admission to the New Mexico state bar and in good standing or the ability to acquire a limited law license.
  • 6 years of experience in criminal appeals and 3 years of management experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of criminal law, and other relevant legal areas.
  • Proven track record of developing and executing successful appellate strategies.
  • Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of attorneys and legal professionals.
  • Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice, equality, and public interest law.

 

Application Instructions

To apply for the position, please submit the following documents to Dean Woulard at recruiting@nmag.gov:

  1. Cover letter detailing your interest in the role and your relevant experience.
  2. Resume/CV with a detailed overview of your educational and professional background.
  3. Contact information for three professional references.

 

The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General is committed to recruiting the highest quality candidates who support the values of integrity, excellence and service.  We have a commitment to honesty, ethical behavior, and transparency in all actions and decisions.  We strive for the highest level of professionalism and expertise in all aspects of our work. And we have a strong dedication to serving the public interest and prioritizing the well-being of the community – especially the interests of those least capable of defending themselves. The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.   For more information, please visit our website at nmag.gov.