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.
JCP402: Attorney

Attorney

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCP402
8
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
69,451.00 - 87,277.00 - 109,720.00 USD Annual
$33.39 - $41.96 - $52.75
$69,451.00 - $87,277.00 - $109,720.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Attorney serves as legal counsel reporting directly to the County Attorney. Reviews drafts of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, rules, regulations, and other documents required for County operations to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Act as legal advisor to the County, working with elected officials, department directors, and other individuals who require legal counsel.
  • Review drafts of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, rules, regulations, and other written documents required for County operations to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
  • Draft legally defensible documents for approval by the County Attorney and/or Deputy County Attorney.
  • Research and write legal opinions on case law and administrative practices at the request of the County Attorney and/or Deputy County Attorney.
  • Review policies and policy initiatives to ensure alignment with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Prosecute criminal and civil cases in Metropolitan and District Court; represent the County in litigation, appellate matters, and criminal prosecutions as required; and represent County management and/or designated clients.

*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

  • J.D. or L.L.B. degree, from an accredited academic institution, with a valid license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
  • Five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, which includes litigation and appellate experience, and the coordination of multiple issues relevant to areas assigned.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

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

  • Demonstrate a "good standing" with the New Mexico State Supreme Court.
  • Knowledge of laws and concepts relevant to the operations of county and state government.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral English.
  • Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • Employee must complete the required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Depending on the assignment, it may require a valid New Mexico driver's license.
  • Employee must be current with minimum continuing legal education requirements and state license requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Indoor duties are typically performed on an even and dry surface, which may be carpeted or tiled.
  • Most duties are performed alone. May perform certain duties as part of a select team of individuals.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment used in performing duties includes: computer, telephone, calculator, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
  • Materials and products handled in 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