New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender
Senior Secretary
New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender, Santa Fe, New Mexico, us, 87503
Salary :
$39,249.60 - $58,864.00 Annually Location :
Alamogordo, NM Job Type:
Career Appointment, Full-Time Job Number:
10114899 Unit:
12th District-Otero-Alamogordo Division:
12th District-Otero-Alamogordo Opening Date:
08/26/2025 Closing Date:
9/28/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Objectives Summary
The objective summary of this job classification is to perform advanced secretarial duties utilizing legal terminology, established procedures and template documents in support of the District Office. Also responsible for performing some specialized clerical tasks. For more information about living in Alamogordo, New Mexico, .
Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood. Essential Functions
Provides specialized administrative services in support of the District Office. Organizes work assignments on a daily and/or weekly basis by exercising independence and judgment that is greater than lower level positions. Assists with preparing legal correspondence under close guidance and/or supervision of a Paralegal, Office Manager or attorney. Transcribe and proofread legal documents under general guidance of a supervisor/manager or attorney. Performs administrative duties such as providing information to callers, taking dictation, composing and typing routine correspondence, and reading and routing incoming mail. Process court notices and client discovery. Schedule meetings and appointments and coordinate conference calls. Conducts legal research for review by an attorney. May provide fiscal, management, information systems, human resources and other administrative tasks for a legal organization or an attorney. Files correspondence and legal documents in office filing system. Ensures proper indexing and filing of original legal documents Prepare court dockets for distribution This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Coordinates the pick-up and delivery of express mail services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) Assists in the ordering, receiving, stocking and distribution of office supplies. Assists with other related clerical duties such as photocopying, faxing, filing and collating. Drop off or accept indigent defense applications (in a jail or correctional facility setting). May need to go to court for pick up for drop off of documents. Pick up discovery from District Attorney(s) Office and police department(s). Provide referrals to community resources or other services. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performs related and other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED with one (1) year of directly related clerical and/or secretarial experience utilizing legal terminology, procedures and documents. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.
Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Default FLSA: Non-exempt
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.
This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages. The State's General Services Department Risk Management Division, Employee Benefits Bureau (EBB), is responsible for the procurement and oversight of employee benefits - including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance. The State's Group Benefits Plan also offers COBRA, Flexible Spending Account Programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Erisa Administrative Services, Inc. (Erisa) is the State's Third Party Administrator. They provide benefits administration to all plan participants, and offer knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. To learn more about the benefits available please
In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees. For more information regarding the plan you can visit the following websites: Total Compensation Package
As an employee of the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD), you receive regular pay for your services. The other part of your total compensation is the value of the benefits LOPD makes available to you and, if applicable, your family. The Total Compensation Estimator is for illustrative purposes only and provides benefits-eligible employees an estimate of their total compensation based on selected options from the drop-downs in the estimator.
Please to download the Total Compensation Estimator on our , Join Our Team section. This estimator is not a legal document. All benefits are governed by the actual benefit plans, which have precedence over the information reported in this calculator. Rates are not guaranteed and may change annually based on legislative decisions. If you have any questions about this estimator, don't hesitate to get in touch with Human Resources at *State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees* Employers are required by state and federal law to post certain information concerning the rights of employees. The required posters are listed below and may be printed individually using a standard printer and paper.
- PDF file Human Trafficking - () () () Paid Sick Leave - () () () New Mexico state minimum wage is $12.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. More information can be read at
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - ), Job Safety and Health Protection - (, Employee Polygraph Protection Act - , Family Medical Leave Act - , Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - , Employee Rights under USERRA -
Please contact for questions. 01
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed. If you have responded that you have an education higher than a high school diploma or GED, you must attach a copy of your official/unofficial transcript(s) that clearly state the type of degree and date awarded/conferred, institution name, and applicant name and is in a format that cannot be modified.
Doctorate Master's Degree Bachelor's Degree Associates Degree or Technical/Vocational Certificate High School Diploma or GED Less than a High School Diploma or GED
02
How many total years of experience do you have documented in the Work Experience section of your application related to this Job Classification?Please NOTE: If the years of experience that you indicate below cannot be found in the Work Experience section of this application, your application may not be eligible for further consideration. It is recommended that you attach documents that support your work experience at this time. If you are attempting to attach documents, but are unable to, you should email lopd-hr@lopdnm.us, with the documents and your contact information. Or if selected for an interview, you should bring the documents to your interview.
10 years of experience 9 years of experience 8 years of experience 7 years of experience 6 years of experience 5 years of experience 4 years of experience 3 years of experience 2years of experience 1 year of experience 6 Months 3 Months None
03
Legal Do you have experience preparing and processing legal documents, creating and maintaining legal calendars, ensuring court deadlines are met in a legal setting?
Yes No
04
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 05
How many years of experience do you have formatting, preparing, and processing legal documents for court action.
Five (5) or more years of experience Four (4) years of experience Three (3) years of experience Two (2) years of experience One (1) year of experience Zero to Six (0-6) months of experience
06
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 07
Business Operations Do you have experience assisting disadvantaged populations such as people who suffer from mental illness; people who are homeless; people who are difficult and angry due to the legal situation they are in; and people in need of social service assistance?
Yes No
08
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 09
Legal Do you have experience working in a law office as a paralegal or legal secretary?
Yes No
10
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 11
Secretary Do you have experience prioritizing assignments and working under deadlines?
Yes No
12
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 13
Legal Do you have experience accessing and navigating all District, Metropolitan and Magistrate Court websites across the state?
Yes No
14
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 15
Briefly describe your idea of good customer service. 16
For current State of New Mexico employees: I understand that the Law Offices of the Public Defender will only accept up to 40 hours of annual leave and all sick leave. Furthermore, upon transfer, I will begin a new probationary period regardless of a break in service from my current state agency.
I Understand
17
I understand that my responses to the questions regarding years of experience and education will be confirmed. I have included my related work experience in the Work Experience Section of my application with a detailed description of my related duties. If I am attempting to attach documents, but unable to, I should email lopd-hr@lopdnm.us., with the documents and my contact information. Or if selected for an interview, I may bring the documents to my interview.
I Understand
Required Question
$39,249.60 - $58,864.00 Annually Location :
Alamogordo, NM Job Type:
Career Appointment, Full-Time Job Number:
10114899 Unit:
12th District-Otero-Alamogordo Division:
12th District-Otero-Alamogordo Opening Date:
08/26/2025 Closing Date:
9/28/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Objectives Summary
The objective summary of this job classification is to perform advanced secretarial duties utilizing legal terminology, established procedures and template documents in support of the District Office. Also responsible for performing some specialized clerical tasks. For more information about living in Alamogordo, New Mexico, .
Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood. Essential Functions
Provides specialized administrative services in support of the District Office. Organizes work assignments on a daily and/or weekly basis by exercising independence and judgment that is greater than lower level positions. Assists with preparing legal correspondence under close guidance and/or supervision of a Paralegal, Office Manager or attorney. Transcribe and proofread legal documents under general guidance of a supervisor/manager or attorney. Performs administrative duties such as providing information to callers, taking dictation, composing and typing routine correspondence, and reading and routing incoming mail. Process court notices and client discovery. Schedule meetings and appointments and coordinate conference calls. Conducts legal research for review by an attorney. May provide fiscal, management, information systems, human resources and other administrative tasks for a legal organization or an attorney. Files correspondence and legal documents in office filing system. Ensures proper indexing and filing of original legal documents Prepare court dockets for distribution This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Coordinates the pick-up and delivery of express mail services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) Assists in the ordering, receiving, stocking and distribution of office supplies. Assists with other related clerical duties such as photocopying, faxing, filing and collating. Drop off or accept indigent defense applications (in a jail or correctional facility setting). May need to go to court for pick up for drop off of documents. Pick up discovery from District Attorney(s) Office and police department(s). Provide referrals to community resources or other services. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performs related and other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED with one (1) year of directly related clerical and/or secretarial experience utilizing legal terminology, procedures and documents. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.
Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Default FLSA: Non-exempt
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.
This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages. The State's General Services Department Risk Management Division, Employee Benefits Bureau (EBB), is responsible for the procurement and oversight of employee benefits - including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance. The State's Group Benefits Plan also offers COBRA, Flexible Spending Account Programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Erisa Administrative Services, Inc. (Erisa) is the State's Third Party Administrator. They provide benefits administration to all plan participants, and offer knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. To learn more about the benefits available please
In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees. For more information regarding the plan you can visit the following websites: Total Compensation Package
As an employee of the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD), you receive regular pay for your services. The other part of your total compensation is the value of the benefits LOPD makes available to you and, if applicable, your family. The Total Compensation Estimator is for illustrative purposes only and provides benefits-eligible employees an estimate of their total compensation based on selected options from the drop-downs in the estimator.
Please to download the Total Compensation Estimator on our , Join Our Team section. This estimator is not a legal document. All benefits are governed by the actual benefit plans, which have precedence over the information reported in this calculator. Rates are not guaranteed and may change annually based on legislative decisions. If you have any questions about this estimator, don't hesitate to get in touch with Human Resources at *State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees* Employers are required by state and federal law to post certain information concerning the rights of employees. The required posters are listed below and may be printed individually using a standard printer and paper.
- PDF file Human Trafficking - () () () Paid Sick Leave - () () () New Mexico state minimum wage is $12.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. More information can be read at
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - ), Job Safety and Health Protection - (, Employee Polygraph Protection Act - , Family Medical Leave Act - , Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - , Employee Rights under USERRA -
Please contact for questions. 01
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed. If you have responded that you have an education higher than a high school diploma or GED, you must attach a copy of your official/unofficial transcript(s) that clearly state the type of degree and date awarded/conferred, institution name, and applicant name and is in a format that cannot be modified.
Doctorate Master's Degree Bachelor's Degree Associates Degree or Technical/Vocational Certificate High School Diploma or GED Less than a High School Diploma or GED
02
How many total years of experience do you have documented in the Work Experience section of your application related to this Job Classification?Please NOTE: If the years of experience that you indicate below cannot be found in the Work Experience section of this application, your application may not be eligible for further consideration. It is recommended that you attach documents that support your work experience at this time. If you are attempting to attach documents, but are unable to, you should email lopd-hr@lopdnm.us, with the documents and your contact information. Or if selected for an interview, you should bring the documents to your interview.
10 years of experience 9 years of experience 8 years of experience 7 years of experience 6 years of experience 5 years of experience 4 years of experience 3 years of experience 2years of experience 1 year of experience 6 Months 3 Months None
03
Legal Do you have experience preparing and processing legal documents, creating and maintaining legal calendars, ensuring court deadlines are met in a legal setting?
Yes No
04
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 05
How many years of experience do you have formatting, preparing, and processing legal documents for court action.
Five (5) or more years of experience Four (4) years of experience Three (3) years of experience Two (2) years of experience One (1) year of experience Zero to Six (0-6) months of experience
06
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 07
Business Operations Do you have experience assisting disadvantaged populations such as people who suffer from mental illness; people who are homeless; people who are difficult and angry due to the legal situation they are in; and people in need of social service assistance?
Yes No
08
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 09
Legal Do you have experience working in a law office as a paralegal or legal secretary?
Yes No
10
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 11
Secretary Do you have experience prioritizing assignments and working under deadlines?
Yes No
12
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 13
Legal Do you have experience accessing and navigating all District, Metropolitan and Magistrate Court websites across the state?
Yes No
14
Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question. 15
Briefly describe your idea of good customer service. 16
For current State of New Mexico employees: I understand that the Law Offices of the Public Defender will only accept up to 40 hours of annual leave and all sick leave. Furthermore, upon transfer, I will begin a new probationary period regardless of a break in service from my current state agency.
I Understand
17
I understand that my responses to the questions regarding years of experience and education will be confirmed. I have included my related work experience in the Work Experience Section of my application with a detailed description of my related duties. If I am attempting to attach documents, but unable to, I should email lopd-hr@lopdnm.us., with the documents and my contact information. Or if selected for an interview, I may bring the documents to my interview.
I Understand
Required Question