City Attorney

Carlsbad Police Department•Carlsbad, NM

About The Position

The City Attorney performs complex, high-level administrative, technical, and professional legal work under the general direction and supervision of the City Manager. The role prosecutes violations of municipal ordinances, coordinates civil lawsuits, prepares legal documents, advises City employees and elected officials about legal rights and obligations, and handles other matters involving applicable local, state, and federal law. The City Attorney also performs general management duties for the City Manager as assigned and may undertake other related duties. The position provides professional advice to the City Council and Department Directors and makes presentations to the City Council, boards, commissions, and the general public. It advises City officials about changes to state or federal laws affecting City operations, interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for City employees and elected officials, attends specified City meetings, advises the City Council about legal conditions and emerging trends, issues legal opinions, and prepares information requested by or designated for the City Council.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
At least seven years of experience as a practicing attorney, including four years in municipal or other governmental law.
Three years of supervisory experience.
License to practice law in New Mexico and membership in good standing with the New Mexico State Bar Association.
Must not have a conflict of interest that could preclude performing duties on behalf of the City.
Knowledge of current municipal law and public administration policies and practices.
Knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs and laws involving purchasing, contracting, labor, employment, land use, the environment, and traffic.
Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.
Skill in using a personal computer, Word, Excel, e-filing, email, calendaring, remote meeting tools, scanners, and other office equipment.
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Experience in oil and gas law preferred.
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prosecute violations of municipal ordinances and coordinate civil lawsuits.
Prepare and analyze legal documents, including briefs and other legal filings.
Advise City employees, elected officials, the City Council, and Department Directors on legal rights, obligations, and other legal matters.
Advise City officials of changes to state or federal laws affecting City operations and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for City employees and elected officials.
Make presentations to the City Council, boards, commissions, and the general public.
Attend meetings of the City Council, Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, Board of Solid Waste, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other meetings created by state statute or designated by the City Manager.
Advise the City Council about legal conditions and current and future trends, and issue legal opinions.
Prepare and submit information required by the City Council or designated by the City Manager.
Perform general management duties for the City Manager as assigned and efficiently administer a municipal legal department.
Carry assigned projects through to completion and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City officials, the court system, and the public.