This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time.  Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

More experienced attorneys provide legal services to sophisticated Division clients; mentor junior attorneys; take on more complex litigation and enforcement matters; and assist in developing and implementing consistent standards and practices in litigated matters.

Administrative Appeals and Litigation – Represent public bodies in district and appellate courts in defending administrative decisions appealed under Rules 1-074 and 1-075 NMRA; Represent public bodies in other occasional litigation, including defending extraordinary writs, injunctions, declaratory actions and other matters

Government Accountability – Review and conduct investigations of government accountability and transparency matters ; Issue advisory and guidance letters on OMA and IPRA; Respond to incoming emails or phone calls requesting information on OMA or IPRA; Conduct trainings across the State on Accountability and Transparency Laws; bring investigations, litigation, and other enforcement actions against violators of OMA, IPRA, and other governmental transparency laws.

Legislative Affairs – Research and draft fiscal impact reports (FIRs) during legislative sessions; Assist with other legislative or policy needs including reports, recommendations, and presentations.

Review and approval of school bonds

Review and approval of contract jail agreements

Review and approval of former employee contracts

The following are areas of the law the Division advises on regularly, and the ideal candidate will have a general understanding of the following:

Administrative law, including State Rules Act, Uniform Licensing Act, and administrative appeals.
Public Finance, including state procurement, issuance of bonds, purchase agreements, grant funding, tax
Transparency Laws, including OMA, IPRA, Governmental Conduct
Transactional, including Joint Powers Agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, Property Contracts, Services Contracts, and other state contracts review
Ethics and Corruption Laws
Environmental and Natural Resources Laws
Public Safety Laws
Compliance and Risk Management

Senior attorneys will demonstrate and innate ability and experience in, effectively communicating at all levels with a variety of different stake holders, taking on additional duties and responsibilities, the ability to handle more complex matters and assignments, presiding over more complex investigations and litigation, mentoring and inspiring others, and conducting regular trainings on a wide variety of subjects.

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 is subject to criminal background check and is conditional pending results of criminal background check. 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.