Assistant City Attorney

City of Las Cruces • Las Cruces, NM

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Represents the City in municipal court prosecutions, administrative hearings, and appeals in District Court. This position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. Work is performed in a standard office environment with light physical demands, mostly desk work, and frequent to constant use of a personal computer.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree AND three (3) years of experience in a civil law practice; at least one (1) year of public law experience preferred.
• A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
• Must be a member of the New Mexico State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state of New Mexico, and remain active with all New Mexico Bar annual requirements.
• Valid driver’s license may be required or preferred.
• If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
• Knowledge of State of New Mexico criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations affecting planning, water and land use, public utilities, community development and leases.
• Knowledge of legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government.
• Knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, protocols and strategies.
• Knowledge of legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.
• Knowledge of legal case management procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Knowledge of City Attorney’s protocols and strategies of negotiation and litigation.
• Knowledge of principles of the development, refinement and presentation of legal strategies.
• Knowledge of City ordinances, codes, policies, resolutions, and agreements.
• Knowledge of business and personal computers, and technical software applications.
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents and to present such materials in a clear and logical form, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to present oral and written information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to effectively present cases in court.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, outside agencies, City staff, and other participants in the justice process.
• Skills in researching and identifying precedence in case law.
• Skills in negotiating agreements.
• Skills in litigating cases in a legal hearing and courtroom setting.
• Skills in reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents.
• Skills in effectively assessing, interpreting and applying criminal and civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
• Skills in utilizing and evaluating electronic legal research and on-line systems.
• Skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Skills in interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.

Nice To Haves

• At least one (1) year of public law experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal assessments and recommendations; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether legal issues should be prosecuted or defended based on the facts of law and evidence.
• Conducts conferences with opposing parties concerning settlement of cases; conducts legal research to gather and compile legal instruments and documents; identifies and evaluates records and other information; prepares and presents legal documents, analyses, and City code revisions as required.
• May assist, or first-chair, federal court litigation, provide legal opinions and briefs, draft policy, prepare and present ordinances to City Council, and assist in legal training of city employees.
• Drafts and revises ordinances, resolutions, and other legal measures; guides and assists other legal staff to provide coaching, counseling, and professional assistance on legal skills and professional responsibilities; assists legal staff in the development of case strategy, legal theories, and other technical issues; assists the City Attorney in other matters as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level