Assistant Solicitor General (NMDOJ #1118)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus: 40 hours of leave at the

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Justice seeks an Assistant Solicitor General to represent the State in civil appeals and constitutional litigation. The role involves managing appellate matters, legal research and writing, and developing strategy across diverse subjects including constitutional and education law.

The ideal candidate will have appellate court experience, strong research and writing skills, and be licensed or eligible for limited license in New Mexico. Clerkship experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Applicant must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or eligible for a limited license within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Represent the State in civil appeals and constitutional litigation.
• Manage and assist complex appellate matters in state and federal courts.

Skills

Appellate litigation

Legal research & writing

Oral argument

Constitutional law

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

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For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

Under the leadership of Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) serves as the chief legal authority for the state of New Mexico. The NMDOJ works to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and the rights of all citizens are protected. The NMDOJ works to protect every community in New Mexico and empower vulnerable populations. We believe in giving a voice to those who may feel unheard, an effort that ensures everyone's rights are recognized and respected. This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close 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?

To handle civil appeals and litigate constitutional matters on behalf of the State, its entities, and the public interest.

How does it get done?

An Assistant Solicitor General (ASG) is responsible for representing the State of New Mexico, its officers, and agencies in civil appeals and constitutional litigation. This work includes defending the constitutionality of state laws and actions, litigating on behalf of the State in inter-governmental disputes, and handling appeals of civil litigation, extraordinary writs, and amicus briefing. The position involves work across a broad variety of subject matter, including constitutional law, election law, governmental powers, Indian law, and education law, to name but a few. The primary duties for this position include both managing and assisting complex appellate and litigation matters in both the state and federal courts, legal research and writing, oral argument, developing legal strategy, including in novel and changing areas of law, and discovery. ASGs also research and draft Attorney General Opinions as requested.

Who are the customers?

New Mexico state agencies, boards, commissions and officials, and the people of the State of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate will have the desire to work in many different areas of law, the ability to research and write on complex and significant legal topics, appellate court experience, and the willingness to litigate district court matters and work collaboratively with a team on larger cases. Clerkship experience is preferred.

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.

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). 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.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminals (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25lbs. Limited in-state and out-of-state travel may be required on occasion. It is anticipated the person in this position will hold a valid driver's license and be able to lawfully operate a state-owned motor vehicle when necessary.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.