Law Clerk - Government Litigation

Government Litigation Bureau

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Apply by 06/05/2025

Salary

$28.31 – $45.30 Hourly

$58,886 – $94,218 Annually

This position is a Pay Band LE

Posting Details

The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) 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, in which the state is a party or when interest of the state requires is implicated.  The Government Litigation Bureau of the NMDOJ handles some of the state’s most dynamic civil litigation, and represents state agencies, public officials, and the judiciary in state and federal courts. Representation can include defending civil lawsuits, defending constitutional issues, defending judges and state officials in writ petitions, and participating in affirmative litigation matters on behalf of the State of New Mexico. The Bureau also administratively prosecutes cases for over 30 state professional licensing boards and commissions and assists the Office of the Solicitor General with civil appellate matters.

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?

This position will be assigned to assist the Government Litigation Bureau.  This position exists as a critical role tracking all aspects of litigation matters within the Bureau, supporting attorneys in litigation and appeals, managing high-level projects, and assisting attorneys and staff with other core legal functions of the division.

How does it get done?

This position often works independently on projects as assigned but may also work in conjunction with the Bureau attorneys, the paralegal, or other administrative staff as required.  Work is primarily performed on site in the office of the NMDOJ.  Act as support for litigation including defense in civil lawsuits and administrative prosecution cases. Provide operational and logistics support to attorneys, including maintenance of resource materials, data management, and other projects. Legal research is most often performed utilizing computerized data systems.

Oversee maintenance of all litigation in the section, including monitoring court dockets and e-filing in state and federal courts, maintaining electronic and physical records, correspond with courts and outside counsel, prepare routine court pleadings, and support attorneys as needed with related litigation matters. Litigation support duties often require direct in person meetings with Division attorneys and staff.  Assist in serving subpoenas and interviewing witnesses.

Work closely with Bureau Director, Deputy Director, and Bureau’s Attorneys to develop and manage high level projects for senior management.

Who are the customers?

Position is directly supervised by the Director and Deputy Director, who direct the majority of this position’s work.  Work is also performed for the Government Counsel and Accountability Attorneys as necessary.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service and history of working in the legal profession with some or all of the following experience and skills:

Litigation support, utilizing Microsoft Office, performing legal research, drafting legal documents, strong knowledge of regulatory and administrative law hearing procedures and processes, and excels at learning new areas of law and takes initiative to learn quickly and dive into subject matter.

Prior work in a legal support role that includes working closely with attorneys, familiarity with New Mexico state and federal court systems and related rules, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and independently researching legal issues.

Ability to improve processes and procedures, including administrative functions such as data entry, record management, and projects that include collaboration among groups of people.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal, Legal Science, Business, English, History, Communications, Psychology, and/or Sociology and two (2) years of relevant experience to include the preparation and review of legal documents and legal/policy research and analysis. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience or current enrollment with at least two (2) semesters in a Juris Doctorate program from an accredited school of law will substitute for required work 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 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.

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, lifting and reaching may be required. Ability to complete assignments with a high level of accuracy within strict time constraints. Must be able to lift 25 – 30 lbs. Occasional travel may be required. 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.
Limited travel may be necessary to attend meetings or for litigation support.

Supplemental Information

Benefits:

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Agency Contact Information: Tim Maestas, (505) 895-2492. 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.