$19.82 - $31.71 Hourly
$41,218 - $65,949 Annually
This position is a Pay Band 60
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is expanding its focus on high-level legal matters within the new Impact Litigation Division. The advanced paralegals/legal assistants will play a significant role in assisting division attorneys and support staff with key tasks to address some of the most important issues and challenges facing citizens and the State of New Mexico.
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 advanced paralegal/legal assistant serves a critical role to assist attorney and support staff with core legal functions, management of high-level projects, and advanced legal research and litigation support.
How does it get done?
The advanced paralegal/legal assistant will:
- Oversee maintenance of litigation, including monitoring court dockets and e-filing in state and federal courts, maintaining physical and electronic records, correspondence with courts and outside counsel, and general litigation support.
- Provide operation and logistical support to attorneys and division staff, including maintenance of resource materials, data and project management.
- Under the guidance of division attorneys, perform legal research and investigations, analyze and recommend courses of action.
Who are the customers?
The NMDOJ works broadly for the State of New Mexico and its citizens. This position will primarily support attorneys and staff in the Impact Litigation division.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service, a commitment to the goal of making New Mexico a better place, and a seasoned history of work in the legal profession utilizing the following experience and skills:
- Prior work in legal support that includes working closely with attorneys, familiarity with state and federal rules and court systems, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and independent research of legal issues.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency with current and new technologies, and ability to work independently in busy environments.
- Experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence and documents, conducting legal research, and maintaining case management and tracking.
Minimum Qualification
Associate degree in Paralegal Studies and two (2) years of work experience drafting and preparing legal correspondence, conducting legal research, and maintaining a case management/tracking system. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 2 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 4 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 0 years of experience
•Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.
•If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.
Employment Requirements
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 as a condition of continued employment as some statewide travel maybe required. Employment is subject to criminal background check and is conditional pending results of criminal background check. Be of good moral character and not have been convicted of a felony offense by a court of this state, any other state or the United States.
Working Conditions
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, lifting and reaching may be required. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Occasional travel may be required.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
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Agency Contact Information: Tim Maestas, (505) 895-2492 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.