Deputy City Attorney OR Assistant City Attorney (DOQ)

City of Farmington•Farmington, NM

96d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Farmington is seeking to fill one vacancy for either a Deputy City Attorney or an Assistant City Attorney. This position involves a variety of complex, high-level administrative, technical, and professional work, including prosecuting crimes, conducting civil lawsuits, drafting legal documents, and advising city officials on legal matters. The role requires a strong understanding of local, state, and federal law, and involves representing the city in various legal proceedings. The position is regular, full-time, with a work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications will be received until filled.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
A license to practice law in New Mexico; in good standing of the state Supreme Court and the New Mexico Bar Association.
Valid New Mexico driver's license is required or ability to obtain one upon being hired.
At least ten years experience in the practice of law, at least five years of which has been in the state of New Mexico.
Comprehensive knowledge of state statutes concerning municipal affairs, including laws regulating municipal government, public procurement, public employment, land use, utilities and traffic laws.
Demonstrated skills in performing legal research, drafting briefs and other legal pleadings and making legal arguments.
Ability to read, comprehend, edit, revise and advise others as to meaning of, complex legal documents, contracts, agreements, deeds, easements, court decisions, and legal opinions.
Ability to appear before and make presentations to, councils, boards and commissions, and other administrative agencies.
Ability to manage, supervise, motivate, and evaluate attorneys and legal support staff.
Ability to operate tools and equipment as needed to perform job duties.
Valid New Mexico driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years.
Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs; considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment and traffic.
Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City personnel and the public.
Ability to operate tools and equipment as listed.

Nice To Haves

At least two years experience as a full-time municipal attorney preferred.

Responsibilities

Works under the supervision of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.
Acts in place of, and assumes the duties of, the City Attorney as directed and in their absence.
Supervises and directs work of the City Attorney's Office support staff and Assistant City Attorney(s) as directed.
Prosecutes the laws and ordinances of the city in municipal, district, and appellate courts, either directly or by directing the work of Assistant City Attorney(s).
Directs and advises the Claims Manager in managing claims on behalf of, and against, the city.
Prosecutes and defends legal actions on behalf of the city.
Represents the city in court proceedings, mediations, arbitrations, and governmental administrative proceedings.
Attends City Council meetings and other city board and commission meetings; offers advice as necessary.
Provides legal advice to city department heads, division heads, and other city employees in regard to their official duties and responsibilities.
Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, deeds, easements, agreements, and other legal documents for the City Council, Mayor, City Manager, and other city officials.
Directs work load of legal secretary and other support staff.
Provides professional advice to the City Council and department heads; makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.
Prosecutes violations of City ordinances in Municipal Court, prepares Municipal Court cases for trial, and advises police officers and other enforcement personnel.
Assists department directors to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully performed.
Through the City Attorney, advises the City Council of legal conditions and current and future trends; issues legal opinions.
Attends all meetings of the Council or administration at which attendance may be required.
Attends meetings of other public bodies or agencies when directed.
Approves ordinances, resolutions, and contracts as to legal form; provides legal advice as to substance.
Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.
Advises City officials of changes to state or Federal laws affecting city operations.
Gathers evidence in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.
Conducts research, interviews City staff and witnesses, and handles other details in preparation for trial.
Prepares legal pleadings, motions, and briefs, develops strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of case. Files documents with court.
Represents City in state and federal courts, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for City officials and staff.
Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and City officials on specialized legal issues.
Recommends for adoption by the Council such measures that may be necessary or expedient.
Prepares and submits to the Council such reports and opinions as may be required by that body or as the City Attorney may deem it advisable to submit.