Lead Legal Attorney

The chosen candidate will be compensated at the rate of $62.134745 per hour (non-negotiable).

Posting Details
The General Services Department (GSD) supports the operations of state government by providing essential services, including procurement, risk management, facilities management, transportation services, and printing services.

The Risk Management Division ("RMD") Legal Bureau manages litigation on behalf of state agencies, boards and commissions, and participating universities and local public bodies. RMD's Senior Litigation Attorneys provide covered agencies/entities with strategic and operational advice with the goal of mitigating liabilities.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within 2 weeks of close date.

Why does the job exist?
The Senior Litigation Attorney monitors and manages lawsuits and claims filed against the State of New Mexico's state agencies and Risk Management Division (RMD) covered entities. This position exists to evaluate legal risk, oversee civil litigation handled by outside counsel and ensure cases are strategically managed to protect the State's legal and financial interests.

How does it get done?
Key Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and managing a wide range of civil claims and litigation matters filed against the State of New Mexico and its covered entities.
• Conducting thorough legal analysis of pleadings, motions, discovery, investigative materials, and applicable law to assess liability, defenses, and potential financial exposure.
• Providing oversight and direction to outside counsel retained to defend the State, including reviewing legal work product and monitoring case progression.
• Evaluating and approving settlement recommendations to ensure decisions are legally sound and fiscally responsible.
• Participating in mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, and trials as needed to represent and protect the State¿s interests.
• Who are the customers?
• State Agencies, Higher Education, General Public, Medical Facilities, and Local Public Bodies

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate:

• At least three years of civil litigation experience and demonstrate the ability to independently evaluate and manage a variety of claims filed against the State.
• Confidence in making informed, strategic decisions across a broad range of legal matters, including evaluating liability, defenses and financial exposure.
• Possess sound legal judgment, remain composed under pressure and adjust litigation strategy as cases evolve

Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and two (2) years of experience in the practice 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.

Employment Requirements:
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 and reaching may be required.

Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)

Agency Contact Information: Email (Laura.Unklesbay@gsd.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.