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.
JCP603: Attorney Senior

Attorney Senior

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCP603
10
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
89,128.00 - 111,946.00 - 140,733.00 USD Annual
$42.85 - $53.82 - $67.66
$89,128.00 - $111,946.00 - $140,733.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Attorney Senior serves as legal counsel to the Board of County Commissioners, County management, and other elected officials. Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Represents the County in judicial and administrative proceedings, and provides legal advice on a variety of complex issues affecting County operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as legal counsel to elected officials and County management on matters requiring legal advice or representation.
  • Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, administrative policies, rules, regulations, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare legal documents related to County operations and matters pending before courts, quasi-judicial bodies, or administrative agencies.
  • Conduct legal research and analysis to support County functions and policy decisions.
  • Prepare formal legal opinions at the request of the County Attorney regarding statutory, regulatory, and common law issues.
  • Represent the Board of County Commissioners, County management, or other designated clients in state and federal courts, and before quasi-judicial or administrative bodies.
  • Provide legal advice to County departments on employment, labor relations, land use, and other relevant legal matters.
  • Collaborate with Legal Department staff, opposing counsel, and the public in a collegial and professional manner.
  • Supervise or coordinate the work of outside or contract counsel 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. 
 

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.
  • Demonstrated “good standing” with the New Mexico State Supreme Court.
  • Five (5) years of experience in the practice of law which includes litigation, appellate experience, and the coordination of multiple assignments relating to litigation and advising clients on issues of legal compliance.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

  • Knowledge of law and concepts relevant to the operation of County government.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE


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

  • Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination.
  • Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • Employee must be current with minimum continuing legal educational 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 tile.
  • Most duties are performed alone. May perform certain duties as part of a select team of individuals.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Materials and products handled in performance of duties include: various documents, writing utensils and an assortment of office supplies and equipment.
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM