$39.11 - $62.58 Hourly

$81,349 - $130,159 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C11

Posting Details

INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED AFTER THE HIRING MANAGER RECEIVES A LIST OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

This position is located in the Northern NM Adjudication Bureau in Santa Fe, NM.

Why does the job exist?

To provide professional legal services of lower complexity, but sensitive matters of water law in the specific areas of water rights adjudications, and water right negotiations for the office of the State Engineer, Litigation & Adjudication Program and include the provision of legal advice in lower-level complexity on litigation matters, interpretation of legal research, analysis, and mediation.

How does it get done?

1. Perform the lower complexity, and sensitive litigation: Conduct lower level complex and sensitive litigation in State and Federal Courts with minimal supervision and perform appellate duties for cases on appeal. Research complex and specialized area of water law. Prepare and argue motions and draft legal pleading for hearings; conduct discovery, including depositions, admissions and interrogatories for hearings. Assist in conducting trials, including witness preparation, presentation of expert testimony, other evidentiary presentations and oral arguments.

2. Serve as Attorney in lower level complex water rights adjudication: This job task is accomplished through the application of legal principles and precedents, preparing lower level complex litigation through reviewing case documentation; making determinations of legal position and strategy; initiating legal documents; conducting interviews; and preparing witnesses to testify and demonstrating mastery of the law. In addition, this position will represent the State of New Mexico and the agency in complex litigation in federal and state court and administrative tribunals; and, develop and coordinate discovery. Coordinate and/or perform legal research and analysis of laws, legal precedents, legal issues, and rules/regulations.

3. Provide legal advice to policy makers on matters impacting the agency and the state: Explain and/or interpret the law to agency personnel; advise policy makers as to the legal appropriateness of proposals and potential actions or courses of action; research, analyze and interpret changes in legislation, laws, rules, court decisions and precedents to determine, anticipate, evaluate and assess possible agency impact; and, participate on management teams to develop and implement strategic plan to meet the agency mission.

4. Assist in negotiations of settlement agreements to resolve major cases: Assist in conducting negotiations/mediations, including alternative dispute resolution techniques and/or arbitration; represent the State of New Mexico and the agency in complex and sensitive water rights settlement negotiations. Coordinate consultations with experts, top-level management and opposing counsel to reach agreements of settlements to resolve major cases.

Who are the customers?

Attorneys may represent the State of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience with:

1. Water rights and natural resource issues, especially New Mexico's constitutional prior appropriation system;

2. Representing agencies and clients before administrative tribunals, in trials and/or in judicial proceedings;

3. Drafting and editing legal documents such as motions, interrogatories, and briefs, including performing needed legal research and analysis;

4. Working in cooperation with lawyers and non-lawyers to understand, articulate and implement pubic agency policy;

5. Working with technical, engineering, hydrological and other scientific experts.

Minimum Qualification

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license.

Employment Requirements

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).

This position is required to drive a state vehicle. This position is required to drive a state vehicle. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. 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 within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work performed primarily in an office setting with extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some travel may be required with an ability to handle tight deadlines and multiple demands related to work requirements.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Julie Park, (505) 637-2848, 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.