Legal Division Attorney

State of New Mexico; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) in New Mexico seeks a licensed attorney with litigation and regulatory law experience to provide legal counsel to the Utility Division and other divisions. The role centers on litigating cases before the Commission and preparing witnesses, with additional duties advising on non-contested matters and handling related responsibilities.

Ideal candidates will have strong legal research, writing skills, and the ability to balance priorities while meeting

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate should have litigation experience.
• Regulatory law knowledge, strong legal research and writing abilities are desired.
• Experience in utility regulation is helpful but not necessary.
• Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and services to the Utility Division and other divisions, and to the Commission at large in matters not involving contested proceedings.
• Litigate cases before the Commission on behalf of the Utility Division; prepare expert witnesses and review testimony.
• Advise the Commission and other divisions on legal issues outside contested proceedings; perform other assigned responsibilities.

Skills

Litigation experience

Regulatory law

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Job description

Posting Details

The Public Regulation Commission ("PRC") consists of three Commissioners appointed by the Governor and

has responsibility for regulating public utilities as provided by law. Assisting the PRC in performing this function

are the Hearing Examiners Division, the Legal Division, the Utility Division, the Office of Commission Counsel,

the Pipeline Safety Division the Consumer Relations Division, and the Administrative Services Division.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened

more than once.

Why does the job exist?

This position is responsible for providing legal counsel and services to the Utility Division and other divisions,

as well as to the Commission at large in matters not involving contested proceedings before the Commission.

The primary focus of this position will be to litigate cases before the Commission on behalf of the Utility

Division.

How does it get done?

Key responsibilities include the provision of legal services to the Utility Division in docketed proceedings before

the Commission, i.e., litigation. Attorneys in the Legal Division prepare expert witnesses to testify and/or review

written testimony for presentation in cases before the Commission. This position may also be responsible for

advising the Commission and other divisions on other legal issues outside of contested proceedings before the

Commission, such as the Inspection of Public Records Act. This position may also complete other

responsibilities, as assigned.

Who are the customers?

The Legal Division represents the Utility Division in matters before the PRC, i.e., litigation. The Legal Division

also may provide legal services to other divisions and to the Agency in matters that are not contested before

the PRC.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should have litigation experience. Further, experience with regulatory law, strong legal

research and writing abilities, and strong analytical and organizational skills are desired. Experience in utility

regulation is helpful but not necessary.

Litigation experience can come from civil and/or criminal litigation, including experience in court, presenting,

defending and cross examining witnesses, both lay and expert, familiarity with civil discovery and motion practice, and taking and/or defending depositions.

Also helpful is experience with case management and balancing priorities, including timely and effectively

meeting deadlines.

Minimum Qualification

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.