The New Mexico Department of Justice 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 Division of the New Mexico Department of Justice 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 Division 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. The Division also serves as a mentoring and training ground for attorneys with less experience who wish to obtain more experience and develop a civil litigation practice.
Responsibilities
Represent state agencies, public officials, and the judiciary in state courts, federal courts, or in administrative proceedings. Provide representation including 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. Administratively prosecute cases for state professional licensing boards and commissions and assist the Office of the Solicitor General with civil appellate matters. Serve as a mentor and contribute to a training ground for attorneys with less experience who wish to obtain more experience and develop a civil litigation practice.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service and either (1) a background of diverse litigation experience, or (2) an interest in learning and developing their knowledge of civil litigation to further grow and develop their practice. An ideal candidate with higher levels of civil litigation experience should have the following skills and interests:
1. An interest in public policy and/or experience in matters in which the government is a party, including but not limited to experience as a staff attorney, a state general counsel, a prosecutor, or as a contract attorney; and experience with administrative law that includes reading, interpreting, and applying statutes and regulations.
2. Diverse and extensive litigation experience in both state and federal courts involving government entities, and of administrative proceedings.
3. Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
5. Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
6. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
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 (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit http://nmexam.org/limited-license/.
Application Process
To apply please visit www.spo.state.nm.us. Once there you can search for the position by name or by the job ID number, which is 156922. If you do not currently have a SPO (State Personnel Office) account, you will be prompted to create one before you can apply.
