Domestic Relations Hearing Officer (U) #00000530-23200, Full-Time, At-Will in Albuquerque, NM

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 139,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Vacation/paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque, NM seeks a full-time Domestic Relations Hearing Officer (U) to manage a domestic relations and domestic violence caseload under the Family Court Division.

The role requires adjudicating petitions, conducting hearings, and preparing recommendations for final court approval, with emphasis on accuracy, confidentiality, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and NM licensed attorney in good standing.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the practice of law with at least 20% in family law or domestic relations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings on petitions and motions, before and after decree.
• Review indigency petitions and enforce child support or domestic violence matters as assigned.
• Prepare recommendations for court review and final approval.

Skills

Strong communication

Legal research

Courtroom proceedings

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Domestic Relations Hearing Officer (U) #00000530-23200, Full-Time, At-Will in Albuquerque, NM

# of Positions: 1

Opening Date: 08-04-2026 - Close Date: --

Target Pay Range/Rate: $78.616 per hour or $163,521.28 annually

The Second Judicial District Court is recruiting for a full-time, at-will Domestic Relations Hearing Officer (U) #00000530-23200 for the Family Court Division in Albuquerque, NM. SUMMARY OF POSITION: Under the supervision of the Presiding Family Court Judge, applicant will be assigned a domestic relations and domestic violence matters caseload. Consistent with Rule 1-053.2 duties may include: (1) review petitions for indigency; (2) conduct hearings on all petitions and motions, both before and after entry of the decree; (3) in child support enforcement division case, carry out the statutory duties of a child support hearing officer; (4) carry out the statutory duties of a domestic violence special commissioner and utilize the procedures as set for in Rule 1-053.1 NMRA; (5) assist the court in carrying out the purposes of the Domestic Relations Mediation Act; and (6) prepare recommendations for review and final approval by the court matters consistent with Rule 1-053.2. duties.

BENEFITS

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx, Short, and Long Term Disability Insurance Programs, employee assistance program (EAP)
• [http://www.mybenefitsnm.com/]
• State paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life insurance
• Optional flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses
• Paid time off, up to eight (8) weeks
• Paid time off and retirement buyback
• Eleven (11) paid holidays
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan [http://www.nmpera.org/]
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations*
• Free health care, Rx, and lab work at the facility (Stay Well Health Center) in Santa Fe, NM
• Bilingual compensation*
• Training and career development opportunities
• Higher education opportunities, educational leave, and tuition reimbursement
• May qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• May receive overtime holiday or shift differential pay*
• May receive physical fitness leave*

QUALIFICATIONS

• QUALIFICATIONS:
• J.D. from an accredited law school, New Mexico licensed attorney in good standing.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the practice of law with at least 20% of practice having been in family law or domestic relations matters.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with judges, the legal community, and staff; and to communicate complex rules clearly and concisely, respond with tact and courtesy both orally and in writing.
• Extensive knowledge of New Mexico and federal case law, constitution and statutes; court rules, policies and procedures; manual and computer legal research and analysis.
• A work record of dependability and reliability, attention to detail, accuracy, confidentiality, and effective organizational skills.
• Ability to pass a background check.