Closing Date: 10th April, 2025
Description:
Posting DetailsThis job posting will be used to conduct ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
The Workers' Compensation Administration (WCA) assures the quick and efficient delivery of indemnity and medical benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to employers.
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of the Assistant General Counsel position is to assist the General Counsel of the WCA in representing and protecting the legal interests of the agency as directed by the WCA Director. Legal representation is both with respect to internal and external legal issues that the agency faces as part of its regular day-to-day functioning while fulfilling the agency's statutory mission
How does it get done?
Who are the customers?
Workers' Compensation Administration
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have State of New Mexico agency experience in the office of general counsel; the candidate will have litigation experience including drafting of basic pleadings and appearing before district and appellate courts and administrative tribunals; a strong familiarity with ethical concepts of confidentiality, due diligence, and attorney standard of care for in-house counsel; strong written and verbal attorney communication skills; past experiences dealing with personnel issues that can arise within a state agency; and knowledge of IPRA, OMA.
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://nmexam.org/limited-license/
Employment Requirements:
Working Conditions:
The purpose of the Assistant General Counsel position is to assist the General Counsel of the WCA in representing and protecting the legal interests of the agency as directed by the WCA Director. Legal representation is both with respect to internal and external legal issues that the agency faces as part of its regular day-to-day functioning while fulfilling the agency's statutory mission
- Assist General Counsel in representing the agency in legal matters to which the WCA or its employees are a party, including civil, administrative and personnel litigation, including on appeal if directed.
- Serve as an advisor to the agency Director and General Counsel on internal and external legal issues that the agency faces as part of its regular day-to-day functioning while fulfilling the WCA's
- statutory mission.
- Respond to records requests (IPRA, subpoenas) and constituent inquiries.
- Understanding and applying principles of New Mexico Workers' Compensation Act, associated rules and case law.
- Appear on behalf of the General Counsel office in 52-5-11 guardian appointment proceedings.
- Review contracts entered by the agency for compliance with the Procurement Code and other applicable laws.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director or General Counsel.
Workers' Compensation Administration
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have State of New Mexico agency experience in the office of general counsel; the candidate will have litigation experience including drafting of basic pleadings and appearing before district and appellate courts and administrative tribunals; a strong familiarity with ethical concepts of confidentiality, due diligence, and attorney standard of care for in-house counsel; strong written and verbal attorney communication skills; past experiences dealing with personnel issues that can arise within a state agency; and knowledge of IPRA, OMA.
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://nmexam.org/limited-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 New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, lifting and reaching may be required. Ability to complete assignments with a high level of accuracy within strict time constraints. Frequent use of office machine and equipment. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints. Must be able to lift 25-30 lbs. Occasional travel may be required. Experience using Microsoft Office applications are preferred.
