The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) seeks an experienced criminal prosecution attorney to serve as Division Director III of its Special Prosecutions Division. The NMDOJ represents the people of New Mexico and works with the state’s 14 district attorneys and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to uphold the law, protect crime victims, and promote public safety. The Special Prosecutions Division handles significant criminal cases statewide, including violent crimes, human trafficking, white collar crimes, organized retail crimes, sexual assault and crimes against children including internet crimes against children. The Division also supports statewide prosecutorial training and legislative analysis.
This Governor Exempt position provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the Division’s prosecutorial and operational activities. The Director works closely with the Attorney General and Department leadership to advance prosecutorial priorities, oversee complex criminal cases, and ensure ethical, effective, and fair prosecution. The ideal candidate will have substantial criminal prosecution experience, strong trial skills and experience, sound legal judgment and expertise, and demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
Responsibilities
- Direct and manage the Special Prosecutions Division, establishing priorities and ensuring alignment with the Attorney General’s objectives.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate attorneys and staff; promote professional development, accountability, and effective teamwork.
- Oversee complex criminal investigations and prosecutions, including cases involving violent crimes, human trafficking, white collar crimes, organized criminal activity, sexual assault and crimes against children.
- Provide legal guidance and strategic oversight throughout all stages of prosecution, from case intake and charging through trial, sentencing, and post-trial proceedings.
- Advise the Attorney General and Department leadership on significant cases, legal issues, prosecutorial strategies, and emerging criminal justice priorities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, constitutional requirements, ethical obligations, and Department policies.
- Coordinate with and assist district attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners to support effective investigations and prosecutions.
- Manage Division resources, caseloads, and operational priorities to ensure thorough case preparation and effective courtroom advocacy.
- Review and analyze proposed legislation and support statewide training for prosecutors and law enforcement personnel.
- Establish policies and procedures that promote consistent, efficient, and high-quality prosecutorial practices.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the New Mexico State Bar and membership in good standing.
- Substantial criminal law experience, including significant experience in criminal prosecution, complex litigation, and trial advocacy.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including experience supervising attorneys or professional staff.
- Strong knowledge of criminal law, rules of criminal procedure, constitutional law, rules of evidence, and prosecutorial ethics.
- Proven ability to develop and oversee effective strategies for complex or high-profile criminal cases.
- Experience with violent crimes, human trafficking, white collar crimes, organized criminal activity, or crimes against children is preferred.
- Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, communication, and courtroom advocacy skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and make decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service, ethical prosecution, and the protection of crime victims and the people of New Mexico.
Application Process
Please use this link to apply: Division Director III – Special Prosecutions – New Mexico Department of Justice