County Government Attorney I — Policy, Zoning & Litigation

Santa Fe County NM; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Voluntary Life and AD&D

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Gym Membership

Job summary

Santa Fe County seeks a high‑caliber attorney to provide complex governmental legal services to elected officials, management, and staff. You will handle matters across zoning, land use, utilities, contracts, real estate, and water law, while coordinating with outside counsel and defending the county in proceedings.

The role requires strong legal research, writing, and advocacy, with the ability to manage a diverse workload and interact professionally with the public and officials.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in New Mexico or eligible for a limited license under Rule 15-301.1 NMRA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Experience advising Elected Officials and local governmental entities is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation and advice to County elected officials, management, and staff in zoning, land use, utilities, contracts, real estate, and water law.
• Work with outside counsel in judicial and administrative proceedings.
• Represent the County in litigation and prepare pleadings and strategy.
• Negotiate and prepare contracts, deeds, easements, settlements, mortgages, and notes.
• Prepare intergovernmental agreements and county ordinances, resolutions, and policies.
• Attend meetings of County boards and commissions as needed.
• Represent the County in personnel matters before HR bodies and arbitrators.
• Respond to public records requests and subpoenas.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Public interaction

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Westlaw

OneSource

Outlook

SF County Ordinance lookup

Job description

Santa Fe County seeks a high‑caliber attorney to provide complex governmental legal services to elected officials, management, and staff. You will handle matters across zoning, land use, utilities, contracts, real estate, and water law, while coordinating with outside counsel and defending the county in proceedings.

The role requires strong legal research, writing, and advocacy, with the ability to manage a diverse workload and interact professionally with the public and officials.