Closing Date: 17th July, 2026
Description:
Salary$40.28 - $64.45 Hourly
$83,790 - $134,063 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety is a department within the New Mexico Governor's Cabinet. DPS is responsible for statewide law enforcement services, training, and disaster and emergency response. NM DPS also provides technical communications and forensics support to the public and other law enforcement agencies. DPS's Office of Legal Affairs is the legal bureau within the agency and is responsible for representing the agency in all legal matters.
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
The Attorney position in DPS's Office of Legal Affairs is responsible for complex legal work in the areas of administrative and employment law, rule drafting and interpretation, legislative drafting and analysis, contract work, the disciplinary process, advising DPS leadership, crafting and interpreting departmental policies, and special projects related to DPS's mission. This position serves to provide subject matter expertise and work product for the department and the Cabinet Secretary.
The Attorney position in DPS's Office of Legal Affairs is responsible for complex legal work in the areas of administrative and employment law, rule drafting and interpretation, legislative drafting and analysis, contract work, the disciplinary process, advising DPS leadership, crafting and interpreting departmental policies, and special projects related to DPS's mission. This position serves to provide subject matter expertise and work product for the department and the Cabinet Secretary.
How does it get done?
Who are the customers?
The Department of Public Safety and the Cabinet Secretary of Public Safety.
Ideal Candidate:
The Ideal Candidate has the below listed skills and experience:
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.
Employment Requirements:
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints and challenging deadlines.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Julie Gallardo (505) 538-6374 Email (julie.gallardo@dps.nm.gov)
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.
- Providing legal advice and legal work based on analysis and interpretation of policies, practices, rules, statutes, and court opinions, and drafting legal documents, for DPS's bureaus and divisions, including the New Mexico State Police, the Law Enforcement Academy, the Forensic Laboratory, the Law Enforcement Records Bureau, the Administrative Services Division, and the Internet Technology Division - 45%
- Contract drafting, review, analysis, and approval; assisting the Chief Legal Counsel with agency litigation; advise and document preparation in personnel matters - 45%
- Special projects and other duties as assigned that reasonably related to the scope of work - 10%
The Department of Public Safety and the Cabinet Secretary of Public Safety.
Ideal Candidate:
The Ideal Candidate has the below listed skills and experience:
- Criminal and/or Civil Litigation experience
- Strong legal research, writing, and communication skills
- Demonstrated organizational skills and productivity
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.
Employment Requirements:
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints and challenging deadlines.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Julie Gallardo (505) 538-6374 Email (julie.gallardo@dps.nm.gov)
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.
