Deputy City Attorney

Strategic Government Resources, Inc.; Farmington (NM); On-site; USD 75,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The City of Farmington seeks a practiced attorney to serve as Deputy City Attorney, handling municipal prosecutions and providing guidance to city departments and officials. The role reports to the City Attorney and may align with Deputy or Assistant level based on experience, with a view toward eventually leading the City Attorney’s Office.

Ideal candidates bring ten or more years of legal practice, strong courtroom advocacy, and a proactive, politically aware posture in a city council setting.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in New Mexico and in good standing with the State Bar.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license, or ability to obtain one upon hire.
• Appointment at the Deputy or Assistant level will be based on experience. The Deputy City Attorney level requires at least ten years of legal practice, including five years in New Mexico.
• Strong skills in legal research, brief writing, and courtroom advocacy.
• Ability to present to councils, boards, and commissions.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute in Municipal Court.
• Advise City departments and officials.
• Step in for the City Attorney when needed.

Skills

Legal research

Brief writing

Courtroom advocacy

Oral presentation

Policy communication

Education

Juris Doctor degree

License to practice law in New Mexico

New Mexico driver’s license

Ten years of legal practice (five in NM)

Job description

Are you a practical, courtroom-ready attorney with a prosecutor’s instincts and an interest in municipal law? Are you looking for a role where you can grow into a leadership position in a close-knit public law office? If so, the City of Farmington invites you to apply to become its next Deputy City Attorney.

Farmington sits in the northwest corner of New Mexico, at the heart of the nation’s Four Corners region, where the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers come together. As the largest city in the Four Corners and the commercial center of San Juan County, Farmington serves a trade area that stretches well beyond its city limits. It is small enough to feel like home and large enough to offer the amenities of a regional hub.

Appointed by and reporting to the City Attorney, the Deputy City Attorney handles prosecution in Municipal Court, advises City departments and officials, and steps in for the City Attorney when needed. The City will consider candidates at the Deputy or Assistant City Attorney level, depending on qualifications. We’re seeking an attorney who is:

• Grounded in prosecution and comfortable carrying a Municipal Court docket
• Practical and politically aware in a city council setting
• Interested in preparing to lead the City Attorney’s Office in the coming years

Required qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• License to practice law in New Mexico and in good standing with the State Bar
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license, or ability to obtain one upon hire
• Appointment at the Deputy or Assistant level will be based on experience. The Deputy City Attorney level requires at least ten years of legal practice, including five years in New Mexico.
• Strong skills in legal research, brief writing, and courtroom advocacy
• Ability to present to councils, boards, and commissions

Preferred:

• Prosecutorial experience, especially in a municipal court setting
• At least two years of experience as a full-time municipal attorney
• Knowledge of New Mexico law on municipal government, procurement, public employment, land use, utilities, and traffic
• Interest in a long-term path to City Attorney

The City of Farmington offers a competitive salary of $75,191 – $116,906, DOQ, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and overall well-being. The City is willing to negotiate the salary. Residency within City limits is not required.

For more information, contact:

Michael Mallinoff, Senior Vice President, Strategic Government Resources

[e-mail] | 443-336-5772