Assistant County Attorney II

Santa Fe County • Santa Fe, NM

10h

About The Position

Performs governmental legal work of the highest degree of professional complexity and difficulty. Provides legal representation and advice to County elected officials, management, and staff across multiple areas of practice, including zoning and land use, utilities, corrections, human resources, community services, procurement, contracts, real estate and property, code enforcement, and water law. Represents the County in judicial and administrative proceedings and appeals, and works with and directs outside counsel. The role also supports County boards and commissions and handles personnel matters, public records requests, and subpoenas.

The position requires a New Mexico law license or a limited license under Rule 15-301.1 NMRA before employment begins, along with at least five years of legal practice experience. Work is primarily in an office, with some community and outdoor fieldwork. Some evening work is required.

Requirements

• Be licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or obtain a limited license pursuant to Rule 15-301.1 NMRA before starting employment; continued qualification depends on maintaining the required license.
• Have at least five years of experience in the general practice of law or as an attorney practicing law for a public or private employer.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Possess knowledge of New Mexico law and relevant federal law.
• Demonstrate superior legal research, writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Be able to organize facts, evidence, and precedents and present material clearly and logically in oral presentations or written materials.
• Be able to work professionally and effectively with the public and establish positive working relationships with elected officials, employees, court personnel, coworkers, and the public.
• Be able to manage a diverse workload with shifting priorities independently, collaborate with others in the office, and accept direction and decision-making from the Deputy County Attorney and/or County Attorney.
• Be capable of operating word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software in a Windows environment, including Westlaw, OneSource, Outlook, and the SF County Ordinance lookup.
• Pass a County-paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening.
• Pass a County-paid criminal background screening.
• Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License.
• Obtain and/or maintain all required certifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or knowledge of local government law.
• Experience advising elected officials and local governmental entities.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation and advice to County elected officials, management, and staff in areas including zoning and land use, utilities, corrections, human resources, community services, procurement, contracts, real estate and property, code enforcement, and water law.
• Work with and direct outside counsel in judicial and administrative proceedings.
• Represent the County and its elected officials, management, and staff in judicial and administrative proceedings and appeals; prepare litigation pleadings and other court papers; and advise on legal strategy.
• Negotiate, prepare, and review transactional documents, including contracts, deeds, easements, settlements, mortgages, and notes.
• Negotiate and prepare intergovernmental agreements.
• Prepare and review proposed County ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and policies.
• Attend meetings of County boards and commissions as needed, including the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, Santa Fe County Ethics Board, and Buckman Direct Diversion Board.
• Represent the County in personnel matters before the PELRB, EEOC, HRB, and arbitrators.
• Respond to public records requests and subpoenas.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed