Join our Team

Employees of the District Attorney's office are entrusted with the critical work of protecting and fighting for our community to help victims of crime and make our community a safer place to live.

If you share our passion in seeking justice, and commitment to keeping our community safe, we hope that you would consider joining our team of experts.

The District Attorney seeks to grow and hire a diverse team of prosecutors, paralegals, investigators, and staff to support the office's mission. Employees are provided with comprehensive benefits and are encouraged to pursue personal and professional development during their time at the office. We strive to maintain a high standard of integrity and professionalism, as well as support a positive and healthy work-life balance.

Please see the listing of open positions below. If you are interested in any opportunities, please be sure to apply through the listing portal. Email applications are discouraged.

Professional business meeting with diverse participants.

Current Job Openings:

Openings at Office of the Third Judicial District Attorney

Attorney
Position Summary:
 
An Attorney in the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office will handle a variety of criminal cases. This includes tasks such as prosecuting cases involving offenses such as DWIs, bad checks, and property crimes, while also providing support on more complex felony cases. Attorneys in this role may assist with legal research, participate in trial teams, and provide guidance to entry-level attorneys. They may also have responsibilities beyond prosecution, including community outreach, participation in boards and task forces, and advising law enforcement.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
  • Prosecute a range of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and lower-level felonies, such as DWIs, bad check cases, burglaries, and property crimes.
  • Conduct legal research to support higher-level attorneys working on felony cases.
  • Assist in trial preparation, including collaborating with trial teams and offering support as necessary.
  • Work with law enforcement at crime scenes to gather evidence and provide legal guidance.
  • Perform non-prosecution duties, including community outreach and participation in law enforcement training, boards, and task forces.
  • Handle legal documentation and communications related to cases and provide counsel to law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities.
  • Manage prosecutorial decisions such as dismissals, trial strategies, and plea negotiations within established guidelines.
  • May be required to serve in an on-call rotation and respond to emergency cases.
  • Mentor or supervise less experienced attorneys and staff as directed.
  • Take on additional special projects such as public education campaigns, law enforcement training, or special prosecutions assigned by the District Attorney.
  • Participate in the administration and management of the office when assigned, including potential leadership roles or overseeing a division.
 
Work Environment:
  • Work will take place in both office and courtroom settings, and may require travel to crime scenes or other locations. Some physical effort and travel may be required. The ability to manage stressful situations and/or conditions may be required.
 
Qualifications:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of criminal prosecution, rules of evidence, and criminal procedure.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with criminal justice agencies, law enforcement, and the community.
  • Skilled in legal research, writing, and drafting legal documents.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize a diverse caseload with minimal supervision.
  • Effective trial skills and the ability to handle complex legal situations with limited oversight.
  • Ability to supervise or mentor junior staff, including law enforcement personnel.
  • Basic proficiency in office and computer systems, including the use of legal databases and case management software.
  • Experience working independently and making critical decisions, while seeking guidance from supervisors when necessary.
 
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities (if applicable):
  • May supervise other attorneys or staff and assist with training law enforcement or office personnel.
  • Supervisory experience is essential for managing or leading special projects, task forces, or entire divisions.
  • May be called upon to assume a managerial or leadership role within the office as assigned by the District Attorney.
 
This position offers an exciting opportunity for attorneys seeking to make a direct impact on their community while gaining valuable experience in criminal prosecution, law enforcement collaboration, and office management.
 
Requirements:  
J. D. degree and current license to practice law in New Mexico.  Some positions may require additional years of experience and/or supervisory/administrative experience.
Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant / Senior Legal Assistant

Positions Available: 4
We are seeking qualified candidates to fill four (4) Legal Assistant positions. Based on your experience and qualifications, you may be considered for either the Legal Assistant or Senior Legal Assistant role. These positions provide essential legal and administrative support to our office and play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of our legal team.


Position Purpose

This position provides legal and administrative support to office staff, including preparing legal documents, maintaining case files, and assisting with trial preparation. The scope and complexity of duties assigned will vary depending on your experience and qualifications. Senior Legal Assistants may also take on supervisory and advanced administrative responsibilities.


Supervision

  • Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor.

  • Senior Legal Assistants may assist in the training and supervision of other staff.


Examples of Work Performed

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Preparing legal documents and correspondence

  • Assisting in trial preparation and attending court hearings (for Senior-level roles)

  • Performing Case Management System (CMS) data entry and using merge document features

  • Transcribing and maintaining calendars

  • Preparing, organizing, and maintaining case files

  • Interacting with witnesses, external agencies, and providing customer service

  • Performing general administrative duties and office functions

  • Senior-level responsibilities may include:

    • Attending court hearings

    • Providing advanced customer service and CMS support

    • Assisting or leading training for other secretarial staff

    • Performing supervisory functions as needed


Working Conditions

  • Work is performed in an office environment

  • Some physical effort and travel may be required


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Depending on the level, candidates should demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal terminology

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, word processing, and spreadsheet programs

  • Strong grammar, math, and proofreading skills

  • Experience with Case Management Systems (CMS) and e-filing

  • Ability to draft and prepare legal documents accurately

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills

  • Senior-level candidates should possess:

    • Advanced knowledge and application of CMS and legal procedures

    • Supervisory or mentoring experience

    • Strong leadership and independent problem-solving abilities


Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Legal Assistant: Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in a related field

  • Senior Legal Assistant: Minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in a related field


Preferred Qualifications

  • Legal Assistant: Three (3) years’ experience and/or education in a related field

  • Senior Legal Assistant: Four (4) years’ experience and/or education in a related field


How to Apply

If you are interested in a dynamic legal support role and meet the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply. Fill out the form below, or send resume and cover letter to HR Manager Jesse Grajeda (jgrajeda@da.state.nm.us) Candidates will be assessed for either Legal Assistant or Senior Legal Assistant roles based on qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 10/31/2025

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