Paralegal

The Federal Public Defender for the District of New Mexico is seeking a full-time Paralegal in the Albuquerque office. 

 

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, Readysuite, and Relativity.

 

2. Electronic Litigation Support. This includes the Microsoft Suite of Word, Excel and Powerpoint and other litigation software programs like Camtasia, Adobe Premiere and Audition. Applicants with familiarity with Cellebrite, and AI Platforms like Perplexity, Box Hubs and Copilot are encouraged to apply. 

 

3. Trial assistance. This includes both trial preparation and presentation. Assisting in jury selection; preparing digital witness folders; summarizing discovery, preparing jury instructions; subpoena preparation; free process assistance; 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 Lexis Nexis.

 

This position may provide mentoring to the legal support staff and will work collaboratively with the investigative staff to render the best defense possible to the clients. Additional case management software used includes Defender Data, SECRIS, CM/ECF, and PACER. Additional duties as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications:

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. 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, jails, field offices, training, and other travel.  Must be dedicated to the organization’s mission and passionate about indigent defense.

 

Starting salary range is JSP 11/1 at $75,489 to JSP 14/1 at $127,141, based on experience and qualifications.  This position offers a comprehensive federal benefits package.

 

Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026. Please submit a single pdf document with cover letter, resume, and three references via email to:

 

Michelle Dworak,

Administrative Officer

FDNM-HR@fd.org

Subject:

2026-14 Paralegal

 

Position subject to funding availability. 

 

Employment is subject to a successful background check, including fingerprinting. U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. and receive compensation as a federal employee via direct deposit is required.

 

For more information about our office and to view the full job announcement, please visit: https://nm.fd.org/employments-internships