$45.07 – $72.11 Hourly

$93,738 – $149,980 Annually

This position is a Pay Band LI

The Consumer Protection Division is involved in some of the state’s most dynamic consumer protection litigation, enforcing consumer protection laws including the Unfair Practices Act, Antitrust and Securities. The division receives complaints and information, conducts investigations and sues companies and individuals that break consumer protection laws and holds businesses accountable for unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices. Attorneys in the division litigate in state and federal courts.  The Division oversees enforcement of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and related national arbitration,  and is involved in many outreach and educational initiatives related to consumer protection issues.

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

As a Deputy Division Director, the position is expected to set a standard of excellence and will  be responsible for independently managing complex consumer protection cases, will assist with training and development of other attorneys in the division, and other key responsibilities that include:

– Consumer Protection Litigation : represent the New Mexico Department of Justice and the State of New Mexico in a wide-variety of complex consumer protection investigations and litigation.  Cases will vary from Unfair Practices, Antitrust, Securities to Qui Tam cases.  As a senior attorney, provide guidance to other attorneys in the division and serve as a resource and subject matter expert as needed.

– Other Division Duties as Assigned: assist with other responsibilities in the division, which may include work related to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement,  assist with internal and external trainings, mentor attorneys, and other matters assigned by the division 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,  and other legal and policy matters. As a senior attorney, serve as a subject matter expert as appropriate on special projects when needed.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service and a history of diverse litigation experience, with a minimum of 7 years civil litigation experience is preferred.   The ideal candidate should have 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 trial courts and appellate levels involving consumer protection, 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.

All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).

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.

Benefits:

Agency Contact Information: Tim Maestas

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.