Under the leadership of Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice serves as the chief legal authority for the state of New Mexico. The NMDOJ works to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and the rights of all citizens are protected.
The NMDOJ works to protect every community in New Mexico and empower vulnerable populations. We believe in giving a voice to those who may feel unheard, an effort that ensures everyone’s rights are recognized and respected.
This position exists to handle civil appeals and litigate constitutional matters on behalf of the State, its entities, and the public interest.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
As a valued New Mexico Department of Justice employee, you will receive a hiring bonus of forty (40) hours of leave at your start date to be used at any time. This is in addition to standard leave accrual for employees.
Responsibilities
An Assistant Solicitor General (ASG) is responsible for representing the State of New Mexico, its officers, and agencies in civil appeals and constitutional litigation. This work includes defending the constitutionality of state laws and actions, litigating on behalf of the State in inter-governmental disputes, and handling appeals of civil litigation, extraordinary writs, and amicus briefing. The position involves work across a broad variety of subject matter, including constitutional law, election law, governmental powers, Indian law, and education law, to name but a few. The primary duties for this position include both managing and assisting complex appellate and litigation matters in both the state and federal courts, legal research and writing, oral argument, developing legal strategy, including in novel and changing areas of law, and discovery. ASGs also research and draft Attorney General Opinions as requested.
Qualifications
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).
Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico; or must obtain a Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.
An ideal candidate will have the desire to work in many different areas of law, the ability to research and write on complex and significant legal topics, appellate court experience, and the willingness to litigate district court matters and work collaboratively with a team on larger cases. An ideal candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years legal experience, including judicial clerkships. Clerkship experience is preferred.
Application Process
Please go to careers.share.nm.gov and type 1016 in the search box. This will open the position the State of New Mexico Careers site.
