Attorney

505 Legal; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and holidays: 15 days + 11 US

Health, dental, and vision insurance (

401k with 4% match

Bar license(s) + CLEs paid by firm

Relocation stipend to Farmington, NM

Paid cell phone reimbursement

Gym access and firm-paid subscriptions

Job summary

505 Legal is seeking an Associate Attorney for our Farmington, NM office. The role involves handling a broad caseload in criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation with emphasis on courtroom advocacy and client-centered representation.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience, a JD, and an active NM license, with willingness to relocate to Farmington and contribute to a collaborative, technology-forward firm that values work-life balance and professional growth.

Qualifications

• JD required with active license in New Mexico.
• Experience in criminal defense, personal injury, or civil litigation preferred.
• Strong writing, advocacy and client communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of criminal defense and other matters.
• Handle court appearances, negotiations, motions, hearings, and trials.
• Develop case strategy and maintain regular communication with clients.
• Work with paralegals and other attorneys to move cases forward efficiently.
• Follow firm systems for case management, deadlines, and billing.

Skills

Legal writing

Client communication

Caseload management

Trial preparation

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active NM license

Job description

Salary: $95,000 - 125,000, Depending on Experience

Location: Farmington, New Mexico

*This is a nationwide search for an Attorney that would move to Farmington, NM if not local*

About the Firm:

We are a strategic, fast-growing law firm located in beautiful Farmington, New Mexico, a community that offers the perfect balance between small-town charm and big adventure. Nestled in San Juan County, Farmington provides a relaxed lifestyle with a low cost of living, year-round sunshine, and easy access to the outdoors. Whether you enjoy hiking the otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, fishing the legendary San Juan River, or exploring the cultural history of Chaco Canyon, you’ll find endless opportunities for adventure. Rich in traditions, the area is alive with culture, community events, and a welcoming spirit. Plus, with Albuquerque, Durango, and Santa Fe just a few hours away, you’ll enjoy serenity without sacrificing accessibility.

We value and foster a culture of work-life balance, making Farmington an excellent place for someone looking to build both a career and a fulfilling lifestyle. Here, it’s possible to own a home, spend weekends exploring local dining and breweries, and still enjoy the professional challenge of meaningful legal work.

At our firm, we pride ourselves on delivering conscientious, high-quality representation while embracing innovative technology, including emerging tools like AI and automation, to strengthen client relationships and streamline systems. We are seeking an ambitious Associate Attorney who is passionate about courtroom advocacy and client-centered representation. The right candidate will be excited to manage a large caseload, support trial work at every stage, and contribute to our mission of excellent client service, while growing alongside a forward-thinking and collaborative team. To learn more, please visit our website: https://505legal.com.

• 15 days of vacation/personal leave + 11 federal holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (60% is paid by the firm)
• A 401k with a 4% match (eligible after 90 days)
• Professional development: Bar license(s) + CLEs are 100% paid for by the firm
• Relocation Stipend to move to Farmington, NM if not local to the area
• Paid cell phone or monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Access to an employee gym featuring Peloton equipment, Tonal, an elliptical, free weights, and firm-paid subscriptions

Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a caseload of criminal defense cases from intake through resolution
• Handle court appearances, negotiations, motions, hearings, and trials
• Develop case strategy and maintain regular, effective communication with clients
• Conduct discovery and witness interviews
• Work closely with assigned paralegals and other attorneys to move cases forward efficiently
• Follow established firm systems for case management, deadlines, client communication, billing and collections, and file closure
• Take ownership of cases and client relationships while exercising sound judgment and knowing when to seek support
• Opportunity to work in additional practice areas based on experience and interests, including personal injury, family law, civil rights, and civil litigation

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) and active license to practice law in New Mexico by the time of hire
• The ability to move to Farmington, NM
• 3+ years of legal experience, ideally in criminal law, personal injury, or civil litigation
• Strong writing, legal advocacy, and client communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a caseload, deadlines, calendar, email, and client communication without constant direction
• Strong organizational skills and accountability
• Collaborative, self-motivated, and client-centered approach
• Comfortable using technology and working within established firm systems
• Ability to communicate effectively, take ownership of work, and ask for help when needed
• Confidence, maturity, and consistency appropriate for an experienced attorney who can lead by example

Preferred:

• Significant criminal law experience, on either the prosecution or defense side
• Trial experience
• Personal injury and/or family law experience
• Existing ties to New Mexico, particularly Northwest New Mexico
• Genuine interest in making Farmington home

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and is not representative of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

505 Legal is an equal opportunity employer. The position is located in the firm’s Farmington, New Mexico office. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.