$30.59 – $48.95 Hourly
$63,633 – $101,813 Annually
This position is a Pay Band LF
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
The Office of the Attorney General is charged with representing the state of New Mexico in a wide array of matters, both civil and criminal in nature, from state and federal courts to administrative proceedings and other appearances.
The Government Litigation Division is involved in some of the state’s most dynamic civil litigation, including representing New Mexico, state agencies, state public officials, the judiciary, and the Office of the Attorney General. The division provides civil administrative prosecution for over 30 state professional and occupational licensing boards and commissions, assists the Office of the Solicitor General with civil appeals, litigates in federal courts, oversees enforcement of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and related national arbitration, defends and initiates extraordinary writs, and is involved in many other matters involving the legal needs of the state and its government.
How does it get done?
As an Assistant Attorney General I and Administrative Prosecutor, the position will be responsible for managing a docket of civil administrative prosecution on behalf of various state licensing boards and commissions, and will have the opportunity to be exposed to and develop litigation experience through mentorship and guidance from senior attorneys in the division. Some of the key responsibilities of the position include:
Administrative Prosecution: serve as a civil administrative prosecutor to a number of professional and occupational state licensing boards and commissions. Review referral files and requests for prosecution, coordinate with investigative staff of the public body and witnesses to build cases, negotiate proposed settlements, prosecute before administrative hearings, and assist as necessary with administrative investigations. Assist other attorneys as assigned with complex prosecutions.
Civil Litigation Representing State Agencies: participate and assist as assigned with the representation of state agencies, the Office of the Attorney General, and the State of New Mexico in a wide-variety of civil actions primarily focused on defensive litigation. Clients vary widely depending on resources across the state and specifics of the litigation, but can include the Secretary of State, Department of Corrections, Public Education Department, State Legislature, Governor, and dozens of other state agencies, boards, commissions and public bodies.
Other Division Duties as Assigned: assist with other responsibilities in the division, which may include representing judges in defending extraordinary writs, work related to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, monitor or engage in litigation conducted outside the agency under special commission, assist with internal and external trainings, support other senior attorneys attorneys, and other matters assigned by the division director or deputy director.
Collaboration with Other Divisions: collaborate with other divisions in the agency as needed or as assigned, including but not limited to appellate litigation, multi-state litigation, criminal affairs, and other legal and policy matters.
Who are the customers?
The Attorney General is the state’s attorney and the work of an Assistant Attorney General is broadly done for the state of New Mexico. When representing an assigned client, the work is done for the respective state agency, state official, or judge.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service and a interest in civil prosecution and some or all of the following experience or skills:
1. Public policy and administrative law experience that includes reading, interpreting, and applying a statutes and regulations. Experience with New Mexico statutes and regulations is highly preferred but not required.
2. Commitment to learning and growing as an attorney and broad interest in civil and administrative law.
3. Experience or demonstrated interest in working for or with government entities as an attorney, including as a staff attorney, prosecutor, or other related experience before, during, or after law school.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience presenting in court or other settings, tactfulness in dealing with diverse groups in difficult settings, proficiency learning new technology, and the ability to independently multi-task in a high volume environment with the possibility of frequent interruptions.
Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit: http://www.nmexam.org/limited-license/
Substitutions may apply. See Substitution Table below.
Substitution Table
No substitutions. Must possess required licensure, certification or registration and required number of years of experience
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment as some statewide travel maybe required. Employment requires successful completion of post offer pre-employment physical and is subject to criminal background check and is conditional pending results of criminal background check. Must be a citizen of the United States; be eighteen (18) years of age or older; be of good moral character and not have been convicted of a felony offense by a court of this state, any other state or the United States.
Working Conditions
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting, including during public meetings and hearings. Must be able to lift 25 lbs, and some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Travel will be required, including occasional overnight trips, and candidates must have or be able to obtain a New Mexico driver’s license in order to receive a certification to drive a state vehicle upon employment.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
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Agency Contact Information:Dean Woulard Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.