Closing Date: 12th March, 2026
Description:
Salary$39.11 - $62.58 Hourly
$81,349 - $130,159 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is responsible for overseeing multi-modal transportation systems, including transit, rail, aviation, and highways. The NMDOT operates through its State Transportation Commission (STC), cabinet secretary, General Office administration, and through six district offices with multiple maintenance patrols and construction project offices located throughout the state.
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) serves as in-house counsel for the NMDOT. OGC is an office that consists of 1 general counsel, 12 attorney positions, 5 paralegal positions, and a Business Operations Manager. The OGC has four practice groups: Operations and Finance (construction, contracts and procurement, grant administration), Right-of-Way (real property, eminent domain, billboards Utilities, Special Projects (modal operations, records, special Projects) and Administration, Employment & Torts (employment law & practice, labor law & practice, administrative operations & policy, tort claims & litigation).
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two (2) weeks of the closing date.
As a valued new employee to NMDOT, you may be eligible to receive three (3) days of administrate leave upon your start date.
This is applicable to external hires not within the State of New Mexico Government.
Why does the job exist?
With the OGC consisting of four practice groups, the practice group for which this Attorney position is assigned, Administration, Employment & Torts (administrative operations, employment & labor, torts), includes three Attorney positions that are directly responsible for advising and representing the NMDOT in matters pertaining to employment law, labor law, tort law, and various facets of administrative operations, laws, and policy. The Attorney positions in this unit serve in both primary and secondary roles involved with litigation, complaints, and claims directed against the NMDOT, including in those areas for which the unit is responsible. The Attorney positions also work directly with client representatives in various facets of administrative operations, including, but limited to, business support, executive projects, human resources, inspector general, IT, infrastructure, communications, public records, training and staff development. Each Attorney position in the unit carries a high-volume case load and handles a multitude of time-sensitive tasks.
With the OGC consisting of four practice groups, the practice group for which this Attorney position is assigned, Administration, Employment & Torts (administrative operations, employment & labor, torts), includes three Attorney positions that are directly responsible for advising and representing the NMDOT in matters pertaining to employment law, labor law, tort law, and various facets of administrative operations, laws, and policy. The Attorney positions in this unit serve in both primary and secondary roles involved with litigation, complaints, and claims directed against the NMDOT, including in those areas for which the unit is responsible. The Attorney positions also work directly with client representatives in various facets of administrative operations, including, but limited to, business support, executive projects, human resources, inspector general, IT, infrastructure, communications, public records, training and staff development. Each Attorney position in the unit carries a high-volume case load and handles a multitude of time-sensitive tasks.
How does it get done?
The Attorney position performs legal research and writing, advises administration on matters of law and policy, and provides representation including in areas of civil rights, employment and labor law, torts, public records, administrative operations, human resources, and as otherwise assigned. The Attorney will both assist and act as lead counsel in litigation, determine legal position and strategy, conduct investigations, assess exposure and litigation risk, draft and file legal documents, manage caseloads, interview and prepare witnesses, participate in mediations, keep client administration informed, and regularly coordinate with client representatives, outside counsels, Risk Management Division, and other agencies as the situation warrants. The Attorney position is expected to operate competently with minimal supervision, and meet expectations regarding timely and thorough communications, productivity and prioritizing tasks, job knowledge, and providing quality and thorough work product.
The Attorney position performs legal research and writing, advises administration on matters of law and policy, and provides representation including in areas of civil rights, employment and labor law, torts, public records, administrative operations, human resources, and as otherwise assigned. The Attorney will both assist and act as lead counsel in litigation, determine legal position and strategy, conduct investigations, assess exposure and litigation risk, draft and file legal documents, manage caseloads, interview and prepare witnesses, participate in mediations, keep client administration informed, and regularly coordinate with client representatives, outside counsels, Risk Management Division, and other agencies as the situation warrants. The Attorney position is expected to operate competently with minimal supervision, and meet expectations regarding timely and thorough communications, productivity and prioritizing tasks, job knowledge, and providing quality and thorough work product.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Department of Transportation its executive staff and employees.
Ideal Candidate:
At least seven (7) years of experience practicing law in areas of employment and labor law, tort law, and administrative law is preferred. Additional qualities of an ideal candidate include being collaborative, efficient, thorough, punctual and reliable; able to effectively handle stress associated with the position; and conduct oneself professionally.
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).
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Business Reference check and Driver's License verification are required, and employment is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions:
This position conducts work in an office setting that requires extended periods or sitting, concentration, and the use or a computer, phone and other office equipment. In addition, standing, bending, climbing, reaching, to competently utilize the OGC's case management system word processing, tracking, filing, communications, research, and Internet systems. As driving and some overnight travel is expected, the incumbent must possess a valid and unrestricted New Mexico driver's license.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Aaron Frankland, (505) 490-2730, aaron.frankland@dot.nm.gov, Email (aaron.frankland@dot.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.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation its executive staff and employees.
Ideal Candidate:
At least seven (7) years of experience practicing law in areas of employment and labor law, tort law, and administrative law is preferred. Additional qualities of an ideal candidate include being collaborative, efficient, thorough, punctual and reliable; able to effectively handle stress associated with the position; and conduct oneself professionally.
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).
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Business Reference check and Driver's License verification are required, and employment is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions:
This position conducts work in an office setting that requires extended periods or sitting, concentration, and the use or a computer, phone and other office equipment. In addition, standing, bending, climbing, reaching, to competently utilize the OGC's case management system word processing, tracking, filing, communications, research, and Internet systems. As driving and some overnight travel is expected, the incumbent must possess a valid and unrestricted New Mexico driver's license.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Aaron Frankland, (505) 490-2730, aaron.frankland@dot.nm.gov, Email (aaron.frankland@dot.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.