Attorney I

Closing Date: 14th April, 2023

Description:

This position is a Pay Band LF

Purpose of Position:

• This Posting May Be Used to Fill Multiple Positions. It Will Be Used for Ongoing Recruitment That May Close at Any Time. Applicant Lists May Be Screened More Than Once.

This position will provide assistance to the Litigation and Adjudication Program (LAP), Administrative Litigation Unit (ALU) with legal services on sensitive matters of water law in specific areas of water rights administration and enforcement for the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and provide legal advice in litigation matters, as well as interpretation of legal research, analysis and mediation.The job duties involve the following:

• Prepare all pleadings, motions, memos and briefs for review from senior attorneys filed by the State in assigned cases;
• Research pertinent water rights files referred to ALU to determine whether illegal diversions of water have occurred and whether enforcement action is appropriate;
• Represent the State Engineer in administrative hearings, district court and/or appellate court --including all pre-hearing and post-hearing activities and;
• Provide legal counsel to OSE Water Rights Division in its role in the administration and supervision of water rights throughout the state.

• ALU Managing Attorney and senior attorneys; OSE Hearing Unit attorneys; WRAP technical staff; and water rights protestants/applicants.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal must be able to:

• Work under tight deadlines with need for accuracy;
• Provide legal assistance with drafting, reviewing, and evaluating legal water rights documents for administrative hearings;
• Prepare all pleadings, motions, memoranda, and briefs for review by senior attorneys assigned to the cases;
• Provide legal advice related to water rights conflicts and problems;
• Experience with preparing exhibits for use at trial;
• Experience working with expert witnesses;
• Experience conducting direct and cross examination; and
• Experience providing legal advice to governmental entities and representing these entities in litigation in district court.

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 qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit: http://www.nmexam.org/limited-license/

Substitutions may apply. See Substitution Table below.
This position will be required to drive a state vehicle. Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License and maintain current defensive driving certification.

Working Conditions:
State of New Mexico employees may be impacted by the Public Health Order dated December 19, 2022, which requires facilities licensed or certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS"), including all hospital types, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospice facilities and rehabilitation facilities, as well as assisted living facilities and adult day care settings, to adhere to all COVID-related requirements prescribed by CMS, including, but not limited to masking and staff vaccination.

Work performed primarily in an office setting with extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some travel will be required with an ability to handle tight deadlines and multiple demands related to work requirements. Certification needed in order to drive a state vehicle.

Supplemental Information:
Benefits:

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• Agency Contact Information: Simi Jain, (505) 372-8851 Email
• For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position:
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

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