Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCEL01: County Attorney

County Attorney

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCEL01
EX13
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
145,787.00 - 218,692.00 USD Annual
$70.09 - $87.62 - $105.14
$145,787.00 - $182,250.00 - $218,692.00

POSITION SUMMARY

Appointed by and reporting to the Board of County Commissioners is responsible for serving as legal counsel and advisor for Bernalillo County.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage the daily operations of the Legal Department, including but not limited to: assigning and reviewing casework of all County attorneys; overseeing the budget; and handling other operational functions.
  • Provide legal services to the County, including preparation and prosecution of cases and development of trial strategy.
  • Prepare, draft, and review County ordinances, resolutions, bond provisions, contracts, deeds, and other legal documents.
  • Represent the Board of County Commissioners, County management, and/or designated clients in state and federal courts, as well as before judicial or administrative bodies.
  • Advise the County Manager and Commissioners on all legal matters affecting the County and attend relevant administrative meetings.
  • Oversee and prepare legal opinions regarding statutory law, common law, and administrative practices.
  • Serve as a legal advisor on complex personnel matters.
  • Provide legal guidance to various County departments, as requested.
  • Direct and manage the work of attorneys within the Legal Department; collaborate with opposing counsel and members of the public in a collegial and professional manner.
  • Supervise or direct the work of outside counsel or contract attorneys, as assigned.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 
 
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM