Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Justice has broad statutory authority over civil legal matters and proceedings involving the state. The Government Counsel and Accountability Bureau provides legal advice to over 100 Boards, Commissions, and Agencies around the State. The Division reviews complaints alleging Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) violations and brings enforcement actions under state laws for these violations. The Bureau also provides review for other statutorily required Attorney General (AG) review of school bonds, Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD) abatements and refunds, former employee contract review, and jail agreements. The Division's attorneys are essential in fulfilling the AG's statutory duty to provide legal advice and representation to various parts of the state government and to help ensure that the government remains accessible, accountable, and transparent across the state.
This posting is used for ongoing recruitment and can be closed 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.
Why does the job exist?
Provide legal services to public bodies the Bureau serves as legal advisor; develop and improve Division processes in coordination with Division leadership and support staff; collaborate with Bureau attorneys concerning legal needs; perform legal analysis; engage in OMA/IPRA compliance program and take necessary enforcement action; enforce other governmental accountability and transparency laws; conduct OMA/IPRA trainings around the state and to public bodies; review other statutorily required documents; represent public bodies in appeals process and other assigned litigation.
More experienced attorneys provide legal services to sophisticated Bureau clients; mentor junior attorneys; take on more complex litigation and enforcement matters; and assist in developing and implementing consistent standards and practices in litigated matters.
How does it get done?
Assigned Client Representation - Advise and train assigned public bodies on: Powers and duties, Governmental Conduct Act, Open Meetings Act, Inspection of Public Records Act, State Rules Act, Uniform Licensing Act; provide procedural advice and review on Administrative Proceedings, Rulemaking, and in some instances, Appeals and Litigation; assist with the coordination and facilitation of disciplinary administrative proceedings; provide assistance and legal advice to hearing officers, and staff on procedural, evidentiary, and due process requirements under the Uniform Licensing Act or other applicable law; assist with conducting and defending public rule hearings under the New Mexico State Rules Act.
Administrative Appeals and Litigation - Represent public bodies in district and appellate courts in defending administrative decisions appealed under Rules 1-074 and 1-075 NMRA; represent public bodies in other occasional litigation, including defending extraordinary writs, injunctions, declaratory actions and other matters
Government Accountability - Review and conduct investigations of government accountability and transparency matters; issue advisory and guidance letters on OMA and IPRA; respond to incoming emails or phone calls requesting information on OMA or IPRA; conduct trainings across the State on Accountability and Transparency Laws; bring investigations, litigation, and other enforcement actions against violators of OMA, IPRA, and other governmental transparency laws.
Legislative Affairs - Research and draft Fiscal Impact Reports (FIRs) during legislative sessions; assist with other legislative or policy needs including reports, recommendations, and presentations.
Review and Approval of - school bonds, contract jail agreements, and former employee contracts
Who are the customers?
The Attorney General is the state's attorney, and the work of an Assistant Attorney General is broadly done for the state of New Mexico, through the delegation and power of the Attorney General. The position is directly supervised by the Bureau Director and Deputy Bureau Director who direct the majority of this position's work.
Ideal Candidate
The Attorney General is the state's attorney, and the work of an Assistant Attorney General is broadly done for the state of New Mexico, through the delegation and power of the Attorney General. The position is directly supervised by the Bureau Director and Deputy Bureau Director who direct the majority of this position's work.
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).
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. Occasional travel may be required in and out of state.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Blaine Moffatt,
[email protected], Email
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.
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.
