POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 2026-08
Position: Paralegal
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Opening Date: June 9, 2026
Closing Date: July 12, 2026
Target Start Date: August 2026
Office Website: https://nm.fd.org/
Salary Range: JSP 11 – 14 (Salary commensurate with experience)
The Federal Public Defender for the District of New Mexico is seeking a full-time Paralegal in the Las Cruces office. The mission of our office is to provide high quality effective and ethical legal representation to our clients charged with federal crimes. We are an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire individuals who will promote the diversity of the office and federal practice.
Duties and Responsibilities: The Paralegal provides support services to staff attorneys in 4 key areas:
1. Discovery/document management. This includes organizing, reviewing, and summarizing discovery; handling large volume pdf optical conversions; indexing, and more. Proficiency in Adobe Suite is required. Familiarity with the following programs is preferred: USAfx, CaseMap, CasePoint, dtSearch, EverLaw.
2. Electronic litigation support. This includes analyzing large volumes of cell phone data; compiling reports; and using programs such as Cellebrite, Magnet Axium, Adobe Premier, FTK, Camtasia and AI transcript review.
3. Trial assistance. This includes both trial preparation and presentation. Assisting in jury selection; assisting with witness interviews; preparing trial binders; creating and editing video and slide presentations; and using programs such as Trial Director and PowerPoint.
4. Research support. This includes legal decision analysis (opinions, rulings); compiling and summarizing substantive information on case law, statutes, treaties, and specific legal subjects – providing memos to attorneys on findings; updating the library with new pages; and using software programs such as Westlaw and Nexis Lexis.
This paralegal is assigned to an appellate unit attorney and will provide legal support with calendaring deadlines, oral arguments, and court notices; scheduling calls; and drafting, proofing, and filing briefs and motions.
This position also provides mentoring to the legal support staff and works collaboratively with the investigative staff to render the best defense possible to the clients. Answering phones and providing back up to legal support staff is expected. Additional case management software used includes Defender Data, SECRIS, CM/ECF, and PACER. Additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent.
- Three years of experience as a paralegal with an understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence; and three years of general legal experience.
- Applicants must have a strong, reliable, self-motivated work ethic, and an ability to work well with minimal supervision.
- Must possess social and emotional intelligence, have effective people and communication skills, and be able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Must possess excellent oral and written skills and have a strong ability to prioritize and organize your day.
- Must have technical proficiency with internet tools, software programs, and research capabilities. Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Microsoft Suite is required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed to courts, field offices, training, and other travel.
- Must be dedicated to the organization’s mission and passionate about indigent defense.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or criminal justice. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college can substitute for one year of specialized experience. A master’s degree from an accredited college can substitute for 2 years of specialized experience.
- Experience in federal criminal defense practice.
- Trial assistance and exhibit preparation experience.
- Experience with office confidentiality clauses such as attorney/client privilege.
- Experience with litigation support software programs such as Case Map, Trial Director, dtSearch, Cellebrite, Lexis Nexis.
- Previous leadership/training/mentoring experience.
- Ability to analyze and make recommendations for process improvements.
- Spanish language proficiency.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time, at-will position within the federal judiciary. The starting salary range is JSP 11/1 at $74,678 to JSP 14/1 at $125,776, based on experience and qualifications. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package, featuring health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 13 to 26 days of earned annual leave depending on years of service; 13 days of earned sick leave per year; and 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service. Employees also receive 11 paid federal holidays, participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and may contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5 percent government matching. The position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to wellness resources and programming, credit for prior federal service, and regular continuing education opportunities. A one day per week telework option may be available depending on workload and office needs.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:
Michelle Dworak, Administrative Officer
[email protected]
Subject: 2026-08 Paralegal
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may close before the deadline of July 12, 2026. The position may remain open until filled and is subject to funding availability. Please, no phone inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is subject to a background check, including fingerprinting. This position is part of the
excepted service and does not carry Civil Service tenure. U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. and receive compensation as a federal employee is required. Salary is paid via direct deposit.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
Our office values diversity and is committed to equity and inclusion. We aspire to embody values of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honor the people we represent. Our representation is better when members of the defense team and staff members have diverse backgrounds and experiences. In our hiring, we seek individuals who share these values. We embrace the unique backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences our employees bring to our office. We are interested in applicants’ talent, diligence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully – no matter the allegation or circumstance.
Pay: $74,678.00 - $125,776.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Education:
Experience:
- Paralegal: 3 years (Required)
- Criminal defense law: 1 year (Preferred)
- general legal: 3 years (Required)
- Microsoft Suite: 1 year (Preferred)
- Adobe Acrobat: 1 year (Preferred)
- Communication skills: 3 years (Preferred)
- Legal research: 3 years (Preferred)
Language:
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Location:
- Las Cruces, NM 88001 (Required)
Work Location: In person
