Legal Counsel Jobs in New Mexico

INTRODUCTION

At the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), every role is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, and families across our state. We are committed to building a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated workforce that works collaboratively to ensure safety, promote well-being, and strengthen families. Whether you are in the field supporting families face-to-face, working behind the scenes to improve systems, or helping to shape the agency from a leadership level, your work here has purpose and long-lasting impact. Join a team that values integrity, resilience, and service and be part of meaningful change for New Mexico's future.

THIS POSTING MAY BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANTS LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

• APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Why does the job exist?

This position will provide senior level professional legal services for protective services cases in litigation, counsel, interpretation of law, research, analysis, mediation and administrative hearings.

How does it get done?

• Skillful legal representation - competently represent the department in all Children's Court cases assigned to the attorney, with adequate preparation before all hearings and prompt preparation of appropriate orders after all hearings. (65%);

• Prompt resolution of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) and Permanent Guardianship (PG) cases - pursue the prompt and successful resolution of all TPR and PG cases. (15%);

• Prompt adjudication of abuse/neglect cases against all named respondents; timely ASFA hearings and documentation - pursues the prompt and successful adjudication of abuse/neglect allegations against all named respondents; timely pursues ASFA mandated hearings. (15%);

• Amenability to supervision and maintaining professional relationships - Maintains a professional and courteous relationship with Departmental personnel and other professionals involved in abuse/neglect cases; is amenable and responsive to supervision by the Managing Attorney and adheres to statewide CCA office policy and procedures. (5%).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

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).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Benefits:

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Mary McQueeney Email

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.