Assistant City Attorney

Assistant City Attorney

Typically, the Assistant City Attorney position provides legal advice, support and assistance in planning, zoning, land development, contract negotiation and drafting, criminal prosecution, criminal procedure, policy evaluation and development, real estate and commercial transactions, civil rights, public finance, and public services. This position represents the City in legal proceedings before city, state and federal courts and agencies. Via the City Attorney, this position may also provide advice to the Mayor, Governing Body, City Manager and Department Directors regarding various legal matters and administrative concerns.  This position is "at will" per city ordinance.

Associate City Attorney

Typically, the Associate City Attorney position provides legal advice, support and assistance in planning, zoning, land development, contract negotiation and drafting, criminal prosecution, criminal procedure, policy evaluation and development, real estate and commercial transactions, civil rights, public finance, and public services. This position represents the City in legal proceedings before city, state and federal courts and agencies. Via the City Attorney, this position may also provide advice to the Mayor, Governing Body, City Manager and Department Directors regarding various legal matters and administrative concerns.  This position is "at will" per city ordinance.

Assistant City Attorney

Education / higher education: Juris Doctor from an accredited and ABA-approved college or university law school

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Three years of cumulative working experience or volunteer/externship experience in the areas of laws related to municipal government, public relations, litigation, bonds, land use, contracts, tort liability, planning, zoning, property, labor and personnel law, civil procedure, and criminal procedures.

Education and/or experience preferences: It is preferable for the selected candidate to have prior experience working in a municipality or prior experience working as an attorney in a federal, state, or local public agency.

Associate City Attorney 

Education / higher education: Juris Doctor from an accredited and ABA-approved college or university law school

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: None

Education and/or experience preferences: It is preferable for the selected candidate to have prior experience working in a municipality or prior experience working as an attorney in a federal, state, or local public agency.

Assistant City Attorney/Associate City Attorney 

Driver' s License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License       Required Endorsements: None

Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of New Mexico; licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: none

Assistant City Attorney

Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of numerous areas of the law required, including constitutional law, contracts, torts, administrative procedure, real and personal property, employment and labor law, ethics, zoning and land use, criminal procedure, appellate procedure, and general municipal law.

Skills: Use of technology, equipment, and legal research and office software typically used in law offices environment.

Abilities: Read, analyze and interpret highly complex and sensitive documents. Respond effectively to extremely sensitive subjects, inquiries, and complaints. Write highly technical legal reports and memoranda. Draft, revise, and file motions, pleadings, petitions, and related court documents. Give oral presentations regarding controversial or complex subject areas to help inform top management, judges, elected officials, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Works with City Attorney to provide legal counsel and support to Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, managers and supervisors and City personnel on legal matters which may impact the City, its operations, its resources, or its services. Maintain professional, harmonious, and courteous interaction while also fostering a collaborative teamwork environment. Works with municipal, state and federal court personnel, district attorney personnel, elected and appointed state and municipal officials, private attorneys and the general public. Develop and maintain professional and courteous relationships with public that warrants the trust and confidence of the citizens.

Associate City Attorney 

Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of numerous areas of the law required, including constitutional law, contracts, torts, administrative procedure, real and personal property, employment and labor law, ethics, zoning and land use, criminal procedure, appellate procedure, and general municipal law.

Skills: Use of technology, equipment, and legal research and office software typically used in law offices environment.

Abilities: Read, analyze and interpret highly complex and sensitive documents. Respond effectively to extremely sensitive subjects, inquiries, and complaints. Write highly technical legal reports and memoranda. Draft, revise, and file motions, pleadings, petitions, and related court documents. Give oral presentations regarding controversial or complex subject areas to help inform top management, judges, elected officials, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Works with City Attorney to provide legal counsel and support to Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, managers and supervisors and City personnel on legal matters which may impact the City, its operations, its resources, or its services. Maintain professional, harmonious, and courteous interaction while also fostering a collaborative teamwork environment. Works with municipal, state and federal court personnel, district attorney personnel, elected and appointed state and municipal officials, private attorneys and the general public. Develop and maintain professional and courteous relationships with public that warrants the trust and confidence of the citizens.Assistant City Attorney 

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

* Represents the City before all city, state and federal courts and agencies in all civil and criminal litigation.
* Through City Attorney, advises Mayor, members of the Governing Body, City Manager and Department Directors on all legal matters.
* Attends as directed Governing Body meetings and other Board, Commission and Committee meetings to determine intent of official actions, considers legal and administrative solutions to problems confronting those bodies, and renders oral and written opinions on legal issues therein.
* Directs work of assigned administrative staff.
* Reviews or prepares proposed ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies and procedures.
* Reviews City contract procedures and serves as selection committee advisor/member, as directed.
* Serves as a member of management team in labor/management collective bargaining, as directed.
* Resolves public complaints directed to the Department, as directed.
* Coordinates and assists with outside counsel, as directed
* Prosecutes violations of Municipal Ordinances

Associate City Attorney 

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

* Represents the City before all city, state and federal courts and agencies in all civil and criminal litigation.
* Through City Attorney, advises Mayor, members of the Governing Body, City Manager and Department Directors on all legal matters.
* Attends, as directed, Governing Body meetings and other Board, Commission and Committee meetings to determine intent of official actions, considers legal and administrative solutions to problems confronting those bodies, and renders oral and written opinions on legal issues therein.
* Directs work of assigned administrative staff.
* Reviews or prepares proposed ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies and procedures.
* Reviews City contract procedures and serves as selection committee advisor/member, as directed.
* Serves as a member of management team in labor/management collective bargaining, as directed.
* Resolves public complaints directed to the Department, as directed.
* Coordinates and assists with outside counsel, as directed
* Prosecutes violations of Municipal Ordinances