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.
JCM701: Deputy County Attorney

Deputy County Attorney

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM701
EX12
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
125,549.00 - 188,324.00 USD Annual
$60.36 - $75.45 - $90.54
$125,549.00 - $156,936.00 - $188,324.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy County Attorney serves as a legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, County Departments, and elected officials (except when conflicts arise due to the attorney’s primary role of representing the Board). Reporting to the County Attorney, the Deputy County Attorney will oversee and coordinate the activities of the legal department. This role includes drafting ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, rules, and regulations, and other necessary legal documents to ensure the County’s compliance with legal requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide legal advice to the County, including elected officials, the County Manager, Deputy County Managers, department directors, and other officials, as needed.
  • Represent the County Attorney at meetings, including Commission, board, committee, staff, intergovernmental, legislative, administrative, and court meetings, as well as with the public.
  • Draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, rules, regulations, and other documents required for County government operations to ensure legal compliance.
  • Conduct legal research and write opinions on case law, statutory law, and administrative practice as directed by the County Attorney.
  • Review County policies and policy initiatives to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Handle litigation and appellate work, representing the Board of County Commissioners and the County in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings, as required.
  • Advise and assist the County Attorney in legal matters and department operations.
  • Coordinate inter-departmental meetings that impact specified areas of practice, and make recommendations on policy and budgetary impacts for review by the County Attorney.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to help achieve the goals and mission of Bernalillo County Government.
  • Supervise and direct the work of attorneys and staff in the legal department.

*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 (JD) degree with a valid license to practice law in the State of New Mexico, and a demonstrated status of “good standing” with the New Mexico State Supreme Court.
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of legal practice, including litigation, appellate experience, and handling multiple issues relevant to local government operations.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

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

  • Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Compliance with the County’s safety guidelines.
  • Maintenance of current continuing legal education requirements and state license qualifications.
  • Completion of required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Completion of required Supervisor classes, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Duties are performed on an even, dry surface, which may include carpet or tile.
  • Most duties are performed independently, though some may be part of a select team.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of duties includes: computer, telephone, calculator, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
  • Materials and products handled during the performance of duties include: various documents, writing utensils, and an assortment of office supplies and equipment.

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