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.
JCM608: Attorney Lead

Attorney Lead

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM608
11
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
101,192.00 - 127,109.00 - 159,786.00 USD Annual
$48.65 - $61.11 - $76.82
$101,192.00 - $127,109.00 - $159,786.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Attorney serves as legal counsel for the Board of County Commissioners, County management, and other elected officials. This position represents the County in litigation and legal proceedings, and provides legal advice on a wide range of issues. The Lead Attorney drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies, rules, regulations, and other documents to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. This position also supervises internal legal staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary actions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as legal counsel for the County, advising elected officials and County management on legal matters.
  • Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, rules, regulations, and other documents to ensure legal compliance.
  • Prepare legal documents related to County operations and matters before courts, quasi-judicial, and administrative bodies.
  • Lead and mentor internal attorneys by providing guidance, training, and delegated assignments.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of outside or contract counsel as assigned.
  • Prepare legal opinions regarding statutory law, common law, and administrative practices at the request of the County Attorney.
  • Represent the Board of County Commissioners, County management, and designated clients in state and federal courts, and before quasi-judicial or administrative bodies.
  • Provide legal advice to County departments on matters including employment, labor, and land use law.
  • Collaborate professionally with attorneys in the Legal Department, opposing counsel, and members of the public.
  • Handle appellate court cases as assigned.
  • Manage a variety of cases, including land use, constitutional law, property rights, procedural issues, deeds, zoning, easements, legislative interpretation, Metropolitan Detention Center matters, employment law, and discrimination cases under Title VII.
  • Conduct legal research.

*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. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) degree from an accredited academic institution.
  • Valid license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
  • Ten (10) years of experience in litigation, appellate law, and advising clients on legal compliance.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Comply with County safety guidelines.
  • Remain current with continuing legal education and state license requirements.
  • Complete required FEMA training(s) assigned to the position.
  • Complete required supervisory training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Performs duties indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Works on even and dry surfaces, which may be carpeted or tiled.
  • Performs most duties independently; some tasks may involve collaboration with a select team.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Handles documents, writing utensils, and a variety of office supplies and equipment.

Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM