Under the leadership of Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) serves as the chief legal authority for the state of New Mexico. The NMDOJ works to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and the rights of all citizens are protected.
The NMDOJ works to protect every community in New Mexico and empower vulnerable populations. We believe in giving a voice to those who may feel unheard, an effort that ensures everyone’s rights are recognized and respected.
Assistant Solicitors General (ASGs) represent the State in criminal appellate proceedings. ASGs defend lawful convictions and seek relief when lower courts rule against the State
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
As a valued New Mexico Department of Justice employee, you will receive a hiring bonus of forty (40) hours of leave at your start date to be used at any time. This is in addition to standard leave accrual for employees.
Responsibilities
Assistant Solicitors General must research legal issues carefully, write persuasively, and argue in court effectively. In addition to drafting appellate briefs, the position may also occasionally involve working on writs and expedited pretrial detention appeals. ASGs must be able to master complex and extensive records. At the same time, ASGs are responsible for managing a caseload and adhering to deadlines. ASGs may also be required to advise state prosecutors on appellate questions and strategy, serve on state and national committees, present at conferences, and perform other criminal-appeals-related duties as directed by the Solicitor General.
Qualifications
An ideal candidate would have a background in criminal law and an interest in broader policy questions. The candidate would have experience in researching and dealing with complex legal issues. This individual would be skilled in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. ASGs must exercise good judgment to select effective legal strategies and identify important issues. Effective ASGs must have the patience to comb through extensive records as well as the ability to work quickly when necessary. The ideal candidate would be professional and courteous when interacting with prosecutors, judges, opposing counsel, and co-workers.
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico; or must obtain a Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.
Application Process
Please go to the State of New Mexico’s career site: https://careers.share.nm.gov and in the search box type: 1056. Be prepared to upload a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.