Attorney Senior (U) #00049359-24300, Full-Time, At-Will in Bernalillo, Los Lunas or Grants, NM

Overview

The Thirteenth Judicial District Court is seeking a Senior Attorney to join its staff attorney division. This position serves the district encompassing Sandoval, Valencia, and Cibola counties. The role can be based in Bernalillo, Los Lunas, or Grants, New Mexico, with the candidate's choice of location and the option to work remotely up to three days per week. Staff attorneys provide legal research, analysis, and drafting support for judges on a wide range of civil and criminal matters.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on complex civil and criminal law issues.
• Review case briefs, motions, and administrative appeals.
• Draft legal recommendations, orders, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and memoranda.
• Attend hearings and trials as needed.
• Act as a special master and participate in court committees.
• Provide staff support for rulemaking committees, boards, and commissions.
• Screen pro se petitions for jurisdiction and procedural requirements.
• Respond to correspondence and inquiries from litigants, attorneys, and the public.
• Lead reviews and dispositions of Driving While Intoxicated and Domestic Violence appeals.
• Develop and recommend court policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws and rules.
• Assist management with personnel issues and ensure compliance with employment laws and policies.
• Participate in requests for proposals and bids.
• Develop judicial procedures and provide legal guidance related to stream adjudication cases.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and training at various conferences.
• Research proposed legislation and assist in legislative strategy.
• Facilitate mediation and dispute resolution processes.
• Oversee court-mandated programs and maintain relationships with associated parties.
• Prepare training materials and ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and budgets.
• Serve on statewide or local committees as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing applicable law.
• If supervising one legal staff member, at least one year of supervisory experience is required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of U.S. and New Mexico constitutions, federal and state laws, case law, statutes, and court rules.
• Familiarity with criminal and civil procedure, appellate procedure, rules of evidence, and professional conduct codes.
• Strong legal research, writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Understanding of court operations, case management systems, and judiciary processes.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and balance practical considerations.
• Experience with mediation, conflict resolution, and supervisory techniques.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in office or court settings.
• Valid driver's license and travel may be required.
• Work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Regular interaction with judges, justices, co-workers, clients, and the public is expected.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly pay range: $39.085 to $60.717
• Annual salary range: $81,297 to $126,291.36
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• State-paid life insurance, with options for supplemental and dependent coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses
• Paid vacation and sick leave up to eight weeks
• Eleven paid holidays
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations (varies by classification)
• Free health care, prescription, and lab work at a designated health center
• Bilingual compensation (varies by classification)
• Training, career development, higher education opportunities, educational leave, and tuition reimbursement
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Potential for overtime, holiday, or shift differential pay (varies by classification)
• Possible physical fitness leave (varies by classification)

Location

Positions are available in Bernalillo, Los Lunas, or Grants, New Mexico, with remote work options up to three days per week.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following by 11:59 PM on May 27, 2026:

• Cover letter
• Judicial Branch Employment Application or Resume with Resume Supplemental Form
• Law school transcript
• Writing sample (no more than 15 pages)

Proof of education is required.

This position is an equal opportunity employment opportunity.