Deputy County Attorney - Legal

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.  Under the direction of the County Attorney, the Deputy Attorney assists in enforcing state and local laws, represent the county in civil and criminal matters, and advise county departments and officials on legal issues. Ensures the fair and effective administration of justice while safeguarding the legal interests of the County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

• Independently maintain and manage caseload and ongoing legal matters, as assigned by the County Attorney.

• Assist the County Attorney in the management of the Legal Department, including supervision of personnel, assignment of work, and budget preparation.

• Assume the duties of the County Attorney and/or other staff attorneys, as assigned.

• Responsible for monitoring of staff work to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

• Perform legal research and provide oral and written legal opinions on various legal issues.

• Participate in policy development, drafting and revising contracts and leases, drafting ordinances and various agreements, and prepare and present information for meetings and hearings.

• Prosecute violations of County ordinances and represent the County in civil matters as assigned.

• Represent the County in labor negotiations and labor management committee meetings as assigned.

• Communicate with and direct outside counsel as needed regarding litigation and other matters. Communicate and coordinate with outside entities on various matters which directly affect the County.

• Supervise assigned staff, review staff’s work to monitor performance and ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness; provide feedback for performance improvement; and conduct coaching, counseling, and disciplinary action as needed.

• Know and comply with County policies and procedures.   

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS.

Education.  A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited university.

Experience.  A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a responsible capacity as a practicing attorney. Two (2) years of supervision of others in a legal setting is preferred. Prior local government legal experience is preferred.

Education/Experience substitution. N/A

Licenses/Certifications.  Must possess a valid license to practice law in the State of New Mexico. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.).  Must pass a background and driver’s license check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of: State and Federal law and procedure, including administrative and regulatory functions; direct representation of client, including client interactions and court appearances.

Skills in: Legal research, analysis, and drafting; negotiation; mediation techniques, both as an advocate and as a mediator; represent the County in a variety of proceedings or settings.

Abilities to: Appropriately and effectively delegate and work with paralegals, department heads, supervisors, and elected officials to ensure work is timely and accurately completed; ability to work with insurance providers and outside counsel to direct litigation; speak and argue persuasively on behalf of the client; use independent judgment in various situations and implement appropriate action.

Compensation Range

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.