H1: Join the Third Judicial District Court as a Law Clerk 1 in Las Cruces, NM
H2: Support District Court Judges, Perform Legal Research, Analysis, Writing and Editing
The Third Judicial District Court is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a full-time, at-will Law Clerk 1 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This position offers a competitive salary range of $56,272 - $112,547 annually, with the opportunity for advancement and growth within the organization.
As a Law Clerk 1, you will have the opportunity to work closely with District Court Judges on assigned cases, providing support and assistance in legal research, analysis, writing, and editing. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the United States and New Mexico constitutions, federal law, New Mexico case law, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of legal terminology, Code of Judicial Conduct, and Rules of Professional Conduct is also desired.
We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and has excellent communication skills. Proficiency in Spanish is desirable but not required. The selected candidate will be subject to criminal background checks.
RESPONSIBILITIES: • Review cases, analyze briefs, records, and legal authorities cited • Prepare legal drafts and documents • Process complaints, declarations, discovery requests, responses, and other pleadings • Evaluate the merits of legal arguments by researching laws, statutes, constitutions, regulations, court opinions, and precedents • Assist in preparing for oral arguments and “briefs-only” conferences • Assemble case materials and maintain calendar • Perform legal research and analysis • Prepare bench memos for cases and recommend appropriate court calendaring • Assist with and delegate in-court functions and processes • Review and analyze records and transcripts • Perform technical editing of legal documents • Draft opinions, calendar notices, orders, memoranda, and decisions for review and final approval • Discuss confidential and sensitive issues with justices or judges • Participate in special projects, presentations, and training • Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS: • Must be a graduate of a law school meeting the standards of accreditation of the American Bar Association • 1 year of experience performing legal research, analysis, writing, and editing • Knowledge of legal terminology, Code of Judicial Conduct, and Rules of Professional Conduct • Understanding of court jurisdiction and operations, manual and computerized legal research, principles of legal analysis and writing, and filing systems • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is desirable but not required
BENEFITS: • Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx, Short and Long Term Disability Insurance Programs, employee assistance program (EAP) • State paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life insurance • Optional flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses • Paid time off, up to eight (8) weeks • Paid time off and retirement buyback • Eleven (11) paid holidays • Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave • Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan • Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan • Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations • Free health care, Rx, and lab work at the facility (Stay Well Health Center) in Santa Fe, NM • Bilingual compensation • Training and career development opportunities • Higher education opportunities, educational leave, and tuition reimbursement • May qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) • May receive overtime holiday or shift differential pay • May receive physical fitness leave
TO APPLY: Please submit either a New Mexico Judicial Branch Resume Supplemental Form with required resume and proof of education or a New Mexico Judicial Branch Application for Employment, together with proof of education and licensure, to the Third Judicial District Court Human Resources Department. Applications that do not include copies of education and all information requested on the application will be considered incomplete and rejected. Recruitment opens Monday, October 28, 2024, and closes once filled.
Join our team and become a part of the Third Judicial District Court, an equal opportunity employer.
