CJA Panel Assistant​/Administrative Assistant

Job Details for CJA Panel Assistant / Administrative Assistant

Court Name/Organization New Mexico Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position The Federal Public Defender for the District of New Mexico is seeking a full-time CJA Panel Assistant or CJA Administrative Assistant to the CJA Coordinating Attorney (CJACA) for the District of New Mexico. The CJACA oversees the administration and management of the district’s CJA panel attorney program.

This position provides support services to the CJACA, CJA panel members, service providers, and the District Court. The assistant will provide support in a variety of areas including assisting the CJACA with all aspects of program administration and management; facilitating communications between CJA panel attorneys and their clients; assisting the CJACA in designing and presenting training programs for CJA panel members;

assisting panel members and the Court with the efficient processing of vouchers for reimbursement and authorizations for service providers, travel and other case-related expenses; preparing and assisting in the preparation of various CJA forms and verifying their compliance with requirements; contacting panel members to determine availability for the expeditious assignments of counsel in criminal cases; monitoring court dockets to determine changes in representation of CJA clients;

assisting in the maintenance of lists of panel members and service providers to assist the CJACA; disseminating information to the panel and service providers regarding CJA policies and procedures; maintaining internal records and statistics regarding CJA appointments for use by the clerk’s office, the court, and others; maintaining updated information regarding the CJA Guidelines, federal travel guidelines, local rules of the court for the District of New Mexico;

assisting with coordination of travel for panel attorneys and service providers in accordance with federal travel regulations; and other duties as assigned consistent with the mission of the position.

Applicants must have a reliable and motivated work ethic, a reputation for personal and professional integrity and an ability to work well with the CJACA, the Federal Public Defender, the Court and members of the CJA panel. Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent and the requisite experience. Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed to field offices and/or for training.

Must possess excellent oral and written skills, and strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Substantial experience with federal criminal practice; and substantial experience with various computer programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, PACER and CM/ECF, and billing and timekeeping programs. There is a preference for applicants with a working knowledge of the electronic CJA eVoucher system, either as an administrator or from the perspective as a user. Spanish language proficiency is highly desired.

This is a full-time, at-will temporary position within the federal judiciary with the possibility of extension and/or conversion to a permanent position, subject to funding availability. The starting salary range is $45,901 to $90,479, based on experience and qualifications. The position includes a benefits package featuring health coverage; earned annual leave and sick leave; paid federal holidays; access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where employees benefit from wellness resources and programming, and regular continuing education opportunities.

Telework may be available depending on workload.

Interested applicants should submit a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Michelle Dworak, administrative officer
FDNM-HR
Subject: 2026-02 CJA Panel Assistant

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.