$38.80 – $62.09 Hourly
$80,713 – $129,140 Annually
This position is a Pay Band LI
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 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 a senior attorney, the position is expected to set a standard of excellence and will be responsible for independently managing complex litigation cases, will assist with training and development of other attorneys in the division, and other key responsibilities that include:
Civil Litigation Representing State Agencies: represent 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. As a senior attorney, provide guidance to other litigation attorneys in the division and serve as a resource and subject matter expert as needed.
Defending Judicial Writs: represent and defend state judges in extraordinary writ proceedings before the New Mexico Supreme Court, and maintain well-informed relationships with court personnel, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the judiciary. As a senior attorney, assist with more complex or high-profile writs and serve as a resource for other litigation attorneys.
Administrative Prosecution: may serve as an administrative prosecutor to one or more professional or occupational state licensing boards or commissions based on other litigation workload and assignments. 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. As a senior attorney, focus on complex boards or cases and assist with training and mentorship of other attorneys in the division.
Other Division Duties as Assigned: assist with other responsibilities in the division, which may include 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, mentor 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. As a senior attorney, serve as a subject matter expert as appropriate on special projects when needed.
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 history of diverse litigation experience with some or all of the following experience or skills:
1. It is highly preferred to have diverse and extensive litigation experience in both state and federal courts involving government entities, and a thorough understanding of the rules of civil and appellate procedure.
2. Proven record managing complex litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation managing or directing groups of other attorneys and staff.
3. Demonstrated interest in public policy and working for or with government entities as an attorney, including as a staff attorney, in an office of general counsel, prosecutor, or as a contract attorney; and experience with administrative law that includes reading, interpreting, and applying a statutes and regulations.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, commitment to teamwork and leadership, 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 and five (5) years of experience in the practice 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://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:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
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.