Administrative Office of the Courts
Business Unit: 23100
Attorney Associate (U) #00042097-23100, Full-Time, At-Will, in Santa Fe, NM
# of Positions: 1
Opening Date: 08-14-2025 - Close Date: 08-29-2025
Target Pay Range/Rate: $36.179-$50.611
The First Judicial District Court is recruiting for one full-time, At-Will Attorney Associate position to work in Santa Fe, New Mexico. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Acting under general direction of the Judge, Court Executive Officer, or supervising attorney provides legal advice, performs legal research and analysis, and makes recommendations to the court or Judicial Entity. The position entails extensive research and writing on legal issues of varying complexity. Advises and assists on responses to records requests made under the Inspection of Public Records Act. Plans and organizes meetings of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
The Attorney - Associate is responsible for drafting recommendations and proposed dispositions for assigned cases, memorandum opinions, judgements, orders, and decisions for review.
May Screen pro se petitions for jurisdictional and procedural prerequisites.
Responds to correspondence, e-mails and telephone calls from pro se litigants, inmates, attorneys, and members of the public.
Assists the Court to resolve pending appeals by reviewing motions, docketing statements and briefs.
Drafts calendar recommendations, notices, orders, and opinions.
Analyzes briefs, records, and legal authorities cited.
Assists in providing criminal and civil judges with information and recent opinions to ensure compliance with current law.
Drafts memoranda of law, proposed opinions and orders for administrative appeals of record and de novo appeals, including addressing complex areas of the law such as water, oil and gas, taxation, employment and zoning.
Draft proposed orders addressing petitions for extraordinary writs and motions in civil and criminal matters.
Reviews, analyzes, and edits findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Evaluates court processes and formulates, recommends, and implements policies and procedures to ensure uniform compliance with statutory and constitutional provisions, case law, and Supreme Court Rules.
Periodically reviews relevant law and proposes recommendations on court procedures.
Evaluates proposed rule changes, drafts comments, and attends trials and hearings.
Meets with and advises court administration and staff on legal matters as they arise in the course of court operations.
May draft and monitor leases, contracts, proposals, professional services agreements, price agreements, memoranda of understanding, letter agreements, software license agreements, and intergovernmental agreements for the Judicial Entity.
May assist management on personnel issues and ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, rules, regulations, court and AOC policies and procedures.
Assists with Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations to Bid (ITBs).
Administers or assists with Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations to Bid (ITBs).
Participates in developing judicial procedures and prepares and presents educational materials to assist the Bench and Bar.
Assess the appropriateness of mediation or a dispute resolution process for a case and conducts a mediation or dispute resolution process. May serve on statewide or local committees and provide training at national, state, and local conferences.
May assist in tracking, reviewing, analyzing, and advising the judicial entity on proposed legislation.
Encourages negotiations between the parties in a civil legal dispute and facilitate settlements of cases until an agreement is reached or until settlement does not appear to be possible.
May coordinate and oversee legal clinics for pro se litigants.
May conduct motion hearings in the capacity of a special master or commissioner and draft recommendations to the judge in civil matters.
May research disclosure of information issues under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) and make recommendations.
May propose recommendations on court procedures relevant to cases sent to a court-ordered settlement facilitation program.
May engage with community organizations and practitioners in a collaborative effort to implement a fair and standardized approach in the settlement facilitation process.
Other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful applicant should demonstrate knowledge of United States and New Mexico constitutions, federal law, New Mexico case law, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures; rules of Criminal and Civil procedures, rules of Appellate Procedure, rules of evidence, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and rules of Professional Conduct. Court jurisdiction and operations; legal research; judiciary processes and policies, administrative, civil, and criminal law and procedures. Principles of legal analysis and writing, legal proofreading and editing; court case management systems; supervisory techniques, mediating and managing conflict. Employment law; and conflict-resolution principles and techniques. Ability to balance practical and legal considerations, develop procedures, comprehend and explain complex issues and solve problems.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following functions are representative, but not all-inclusive of the work environment and physical demands an employee may expect to encounter in performing tasks assigned to this job. Work is performed in an office or court setting. A valid driver's license and travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The employee must regularly interact positively with co-workers, clients, the public, judges, and justices.
This job description is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions performed
BENEFITS: Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx, Short and Long Term Disability Insurance Programs, employee assistance program (EAP) [http://www.mybenefitsnm.com/]State paid life insurance, supplemental and dependent life insuranceOptional flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expensesPaid time off, up to eight (8) weeksEleven (11) paid holidaysUp to 12 weeks of paid parental leaveDeferred Compensation 457(b) planLifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan [http://www.nmpera.org/]Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations*Free health care, Rx, lab work at facility (Stay Well Health Center) in Santa Fe, NMBilingual compensation*Training and career development opportunitiesHigher education opportunities and educational leaveMay qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)May receive overtime holiday or shift differential pay*May receive physical fitness leave*What are your benefits worth?
*these benefits vary by job classification or need*
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Must be a graduate of a law school meeting the standards of accreditation of the American Bar Association; possess and maintain a license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
- Education Substitution: None.
- Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the practice of applicable law, or as a law clerk.
- Experience Substitution: None
TO APPLY: Submit a NM Judicial Branch Employment Application or a Resume and Resume Supplemental Form, and proof of education must be received by mail, email or hand delivered to:
First Judicial District Court
Human Resource Office Attn: Nicole Salazar
225 Montezuma Ave
P.O. Box 2268
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Phone: 505-455-8214| Email: sfednms@nmcourts.gov
PROOF OF EDUCATION REQUIRED.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
