$37.19 - $66.94 Hourly
$77,354 - $139,238 Annually
This position is a Pay Band LH
Posting Details
The mission of the Administrative Hearing Office (AHO) is to adjudicate tax, property, and motor vehicle-related administrative hearings in a fair, efficient, and impartial manner independent of the executive agency that is a party to the proceeding.
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of this position is to ensure the fair, lawful, and efficient resolution of disputes and regulatory matters under the Motor Vehicle Code in New Mexico. The position is vital for maintaining due process in legal proceedings, ensuring the credibility of hearings, and safeguarding public trust in administrative justice. By managing a high volume of cases, conducting in-depth legal analysis, and issuing well-reasoned decisions, the role supports the enforcement of laws, public safety, and the rights of all parties involved.
How does it get done?
Duties for this position include:
- Conducting more than 350 hearings annually, including ICA license revocation, medical, and dealer license issues
- Ensuring order during hearings and explaining processes to unrepresented participants
- Swearing in witnesses and assessing credibility
- Receiving, reviewing, and determining the legal sufficiency of evidence
- Issuing thorough and well-reasoned legal decisions within 30 days of hearings
- Conducting ongoing research and participating in continuing legal education
- Handling objections, legal arguments, pre-hearing motions, and discovery issues
- Traveling throughout New Mexico to hold hearings as required
Who are the customers?
Fair application of the facts and law during the adjudication of fair administrative law hearings, on behalf of the citizens of the State of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate
The preferred candidate will:
- Possess strong organizational, analytical, and writing skills
- Have at least four years of experience as an attorney
- Have knowledge of and experience with the Implied Consent Act or DWI laws
- Have participated, conducted, or reviewed the record in at least ten administrative law hearings
- Have extensive experience writing at least ten decisions and orders, proposed findings of facts and conclusions or law, or other objective legal memorandum in the past three years of legal practice
Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit
Substitution Table
No substitutions. Must possess required licensure, certification or registration and required number of years of experience.
Employment Requirements
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver¿s License and must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: David Buchanan. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.