$19.24 – $30.78 Hourly
$40,018 – $64,029 Annually
This position is a Pay Band 60
Posting Details
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
Why does the job exist?
Please visit us at www.newmexicoculture.org
Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of our state. The Department oversees a broad range of New Mexico’s arts and cultural heritage agencies. These include 15 divisions representing a variety of programs and services.
The Paralegal and Legal Assistant – Advanced will assist three (3) attorneys with legal work, including contracts, information requests, reports, correspondence, and research. This position will fill an unmet need to manage public records requests and agency records management.
How does it get done?
The position requires knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations related to civil and administrative law matters. Successful performance requires the ability to work independently and without direct attorney guidance; high-level communication and organization skills; competency in various methods of legal research; extensive use of computer systems and programs necessary for electronic case filing in state or federal courts; effective use of calendar and email communications; effective filing for electronic and paper-based information; responding to and organizing Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests; and organizing files and, generally, assisting the Director of Real Estate.
Who are the customers?
This position serves the Office of General Counsel attorneys and support staff, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs employees, and contract counsel attorneys and staff.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has substantial experience related to traditional paralegal support tasks, where the majority of duties were performed as a paralegal in a legal office; experience creating first draft documents for attorneys, including legal pleadings, discovery requests and responses, witness lists, motions and other legal filings; experience organizing large amounts of records, physical documents, and electronic records into a coherent, accessible format; experience with real estate documents such as residential and commercial leases; and experience responding to public records requests.
Minimum Qualification
Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and two (2) years of experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience 2 Associate’s degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 2 years of experience Associate’s degree or higher in any field AND 4 years of experience 3 Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.
• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of “semester hours” in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.
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. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
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Agency Contact Information: James Cowan (505) 946-8018 or Email: james.cowan@dca.nm.gov 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.