Remote Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs
Remote criminal defense attorney jobs are actively listed at remote-first law firms, distributed legal teams, and legal technology companies across the U.S. Employers hiring remotely right now include THEODORE P WATSON & ASSOCIATES, State of New Mexico, and Innocence Legal Team. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Remote Criminal Defense Attorney jobs
Objectives Summary
The Law Offices of the Public Defender, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's legal landscape. While we have a dedicated office in Roswell, NM we wholeheartedly welcome candidates who reside in New Mexico and can telework and manage their cases effectively from a remote location.
Travel to the Roswell office will be required for trials, client visits, and upon the discretion of management.
Your primary focus will be on providing high-quality legal services, developing strategies, and advocating for clients in court. If you’re ready to take the next challenge in your legal career, work with zealous colleagues, and represent clients who need your expertise in Roswell, we welcome you to apply!
Pay Information
***This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually.
Hourly pay differential reflect retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised.***
Average pay ranges from $44.25 - $53.01 per hour
Average pay ranges from $49.90 - $58.53 per hour
Average pay ranges from $56.00 - 70.58 per hour
Join us at LOPD and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits!
Essential Functions
Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 3, 4, or 5 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.
Public Defender 3 (PD3):
- Attorneys at this level should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels attorneys and law clerks.
- Works under the direction and guidance provided by higher level Attorneys and/or Managing Attorney.
- Will conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
Public Defender 4 (PD4):
- Positions at this level handle felony cases such as burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision.
- May handle more complex level felonies with some guidance/direction from a higher level attorney/managing attorney.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and/or experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction from higher level Attorneys.
- Provides guidance and advice to lower level attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
- Performs related and other duties as assigned.
- Positions at this level handle all levels of criminal cases and legal matters including the most complex felonies, including high profile cases, such as capital cases.
- Can act with independence with little guidance.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court.
- Incumbents in positions at this level are recognized as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
- Positions at this level may also provide supervision from a lead work perspective to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels.
- Provides key input into the development of policies and procedures for the assigned organization unit and/or program.
- Trains, coordinates and advises less experienced public defender attorneys to include co-counseling.
- Conducts legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, procedural rules, in preparation of cases.
- Reviews and investigates client cases to determine legal position and propose legal strategy.
- Prepares for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews, preparation of witnesses to testify.
- Researches changes in laws, legislation, rules court decisions, case precedents, to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
- Counsels and advises clients on cases such as pleadings, arraignments, trials, appeals.
- Represents the client in legal matters, such as motions, hearings, litigation and appeals.
- Explains, interprets and keeps client informed on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues and problems.
- Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skill and knowledge.
- Conducts plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Follows through on case by ensuring client release, client payments.
- Performs related work as required.
- Depending on location: may assist with (CLIP) program or coordinate volunteer/intern/extern programs.
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.
Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at a PD5, PD4, PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD5.
Minimum Qualifications
Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
Employment Requirements
Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
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: Exempt: (including Managers/Supervisors, Executive, Administrative, Professional Exempt Status): In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding, classifications identified as Exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours worked over 80 hours in a pay period. These classifications are eligible for compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of 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.
In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees.
*State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees*
- Human Rights Act Poster- PDF file
- New Mexico Job Health and Safety Protection (State OSHA)
- New Mexico Workers' Compensation Act and supply of Notice of Accident (NOA) Forms
- Human Trafficking - (English) (Español) (Navajo)
- Paid Sick Leave - (English) (Español) (Vietnamese) (Diné Navajo) - PDF
- The Whistleblower Protection Act
- Immigrant and Employee Rights Section Right to Work - (English/Español)
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 Minimum Wages Information.
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - (English), (Español)
- Job Safety and Health Protection - (English), (Español)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act - (English), (Español)
- Family Medical Leave Act - (English), (Español)
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - (English), (Espanol)
- Employee Rights under USERRA - (English), (Español)
Please contact LOPD-HR@lopdnm.us for questions.
Objectives Summary
The Law Offices of the Public Defender, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's legal landscape. While we have a dedicated office in Roswell, NM we wholeheartedly welcome candidates who reside in New Mexico and can telework and manage their cases effectively from a remote location.
Travel to the Roswell office will be required for trials, client visits, and upon the discretion of management.
Your primary focus will be on providing high-quality legal services, developing strategies, and advocating for clients in court. If you’re ready to take the next challenge in your legal career, work with zealous colleagues, and represent clients who need your expertise in Roswell, we welcome you to apply!
Pay Information
***This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually.
Hourly pay differential reflect retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised.***
Average pay ranges from $44.25 - $53.01 per hour
Average pay ranges from $49.90 - $58.53 per hour
Average pay ranges from $56.00 - 70.58 per hour
Join us at LOPD and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits!
Essential Functions
Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 3, 4, or 5 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.
Public Defender 3 (PD3):
- Attorneys at this level should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels attorneys and law clerks.
- Works under the direction and guidance provided by higher level Attorneys and/or Managing Attorney.
- Will conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
Public Defender 4 (PD4):
- Positions at this level handle felony cases such as burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision.
- May handle more complex level felonies with some guidance/direction from a higher level attorney/managing attorney.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and/or experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction from higher level Attorneys.
- Provides guidance and advice to lower level attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
- Performs related and other duties as assigned.
- Positions at this level handle all levels of criminal cases and legal matters including the most complex felonies, including high profile cases, such as capital cases.
- Can act with independence with little guidance.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court.
- Incumbents in positions at this level are recognized as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
- Positions at this level may also provide supervision from a lead work perspective to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels.
- Provides key input into the development of policies and procedures for the assigned organization unit and/or program.
- Trains, coordinates and advises less experienced public defender attorneys to include co-counseling.
- Conducts legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, procedural rules, in preparation of cases.
- Reviews and investigates client cases to determine legal position and propose legal strategy.
- Prepares for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews, preparation of witnesses to testify.
- Researches changes in laws, legislation, rules court decisions, case precedents, to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
- Counsels and advises clients on cases such as pleadings, arraignments, trials, appeals.
- Represents the client in legal matters, such as motions, hearings, litigation and appeals.
- Explains, interprets and keeps client informed on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues and problems.
- Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skill and knowledge.
- Conducts plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Follows through on case by ensuring client release, client payments.
- Performs related work as required.
- Depending on location: may assist with (CLIP) program or coordinate volunteer/intern/extern programs.
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.
Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at a PD5, PD4, PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD5.
Minimum Qualifications
Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
Employment Requirements
Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
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: Exempt: (including Managers/Supervisors, Executive, Administrative, Professional Exempt Status): In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding, classifications identified as Exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours worked over 80 hours in a pay period. These classifications are eligible for compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of 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.
In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees.
*State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees*
- Human Rights Act Poster- PDF file
- New Mexico Job Health and Safety Protection (State OSHA)
- New Mexico Workers' Compensation Act and supply of Notice of Accident (NOA) Forms
- Human Trafficking - (English) (Español) (Navajo)
- Paid Sick Leave - (English) (Español) (Vietnamese) (Diné Navajo) - PDF
- The Whistleblower Protection Act
- Immigrant and Employee Rights Section Right to Work - (English/Español)
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 Minimum Wages Information.
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - (English), (Español)
- Job Safety and Health Protection - (English), (Español)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act - (English), (Español)
- Family Medical Leave Act - (English), (Español)
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - (English), (Espanol)
- Employee Rights under USERRA - (English), (Español)
Please contact LOPD-HR@lopdnm.us for questions.
See All 7 Remote Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsRemote Criminal Defense Attorney Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in remote criminal defense attorney jobs.
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and active state bar membership
- Experience conducting jury trials or bench trials in criminal court
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload independently under court deadlines
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic court filing systems
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills demonstrated through motions practice and oral argument
- Knowledge of constitutional criminal procedure including Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment doctrine
Tips for Your Remote Criminal Defense Attorney Job Search
Apply early to remote roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists remote criminal defense attorney openings from across the U.S. in one place, so you can find roles that match your practice area and apply directly. Remote postings at distributed firms fill fast, so apply as soon as a role matches.
Show your remote practice setup clearly
Remote criminal defense employers want to know you can conduct client consultations, review case files, and coordinate with co-counsel without an office. Name the video conferencing tools, secure document platforms, and e-filing systems you use daily in your resume and cover letter.
Highlight multi-jurisdiction bar admissions upfront
Remote firms often need attorneys licensed in more than one state to serve a distributed client base. Lead with every active bar admission in your application materials so hiring teams can immediately assess whether your licenses match their needs.
Prepare for async written case communication
Remote criminal defense teams rely on detailed written updates instead of hallway conversations. Practice summarizing case developments, strategy decisions, and client communications in concise written form, since remote interviews often include a written exercise to test exactly this skill.
Remote Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a remote criminal defense attorney job?
Remote criminal defense attorney roles go to candidates who can demonstrate self-direction, strong written advocacy, and the ability to manage client relationships without face-to-face contact. Remote-first firms and distributed legal teams screen heavily for async communication skills and independent case management. Highlighting experience with virtual client consultations, digital case file management, and remote court appearances gives your application a concrete edge.
Which companies hire remote criminal defense attorneys?
Companies hiring remote criminal defense attorneys right now include THEODORE P WATSON & ASSOCIATES, State of New Mexico, and Innocence Legal Team, based on current remote listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Remote openings for this role concentrate at remote-first law firms, distributed public defender networks, and legal technology companies that support criminal proceedings.
Can you get a remote criminal defense attorney job with no experience?
Yes, but remote entry-level criminal defense roles are harder to land because you must work independently from day one without in-office mentorship. Remote-first legal aid organizations and virtual public defender offices are the most likely to hire early-career candidates. Demonstrating law clinic work, mock trial participation, or remote internship experience helps show you can handle client-facing responsibilities without on-site supervision.
Do you need a degree for remote criminal defense attorney jobs?
Yes, a Juris Doctor and active bar admission are required for criminal defense attorney roles, remote or otherwise. Remote employers do place additional weight on demonstrable skills like digital brief writing, virtual client communication, and familiarity with e-filing systems, since those competencies signal you can practice effectively without a physical office.
See All 7 Remote Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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