Lead Paralegal

$29.23 - $43.85 Hourly

$60,800 - $91,200 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C8

Posting Details

Interviews will be scheduled within two weeks of the hiring manager receiving the certified list.

To learn more about the Office of the State Engineer, please visit our website:


Why does the job exist?

The Senior Paralegal position exists to provide legal support, research and prepare legal documents, and maintain the legal database and legal files as an assistant to the supervising attorney and staff attorneys in water rights adjudication within the OSE Litigation and Adjudication Program, Northern New Mexico Adjudication Bureau. The Senior Paralegal meets with claimants to help identify issues for the attorneys and to assist claimants in returning the proper paperwork necessary for the attorneys to proceed with adjudications.


How does it get done?

1. Provide research assistance support to managing attorney, staff attorneys, and contract attorneys in LAP.

2. Conduct legal research as directed using on-line resources and other pertinent sources.

3. Prepare legal memoranda, reports, abstracts, briefings, and summaries based on research.

4. Obtain, review and analyze legal documents pertaining to specific cases such as deeds, water rights files, hydrological reports, tax records, historical photographs, etc.

5. Maintain files for use in adjudications and/or hearings (ie, expert reports, prior depositions, partial final judgment and decrees)and prepare summaries and indices as requested by attorneys. Attend meetings and field visits as necessary.


Who are the customers?

The State of New Mexico and the Office of the State Engineer.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be able to:
- Work under tight deadlines with need for accuracy;
- Provide legal assistance with drafting, reviewing, evaluating and filing legal documents for hearings;
- Organize pleadings, motions, memoranda, and briefs for attorneys;
- Experience with preparing exhibits for use at trial;
- Experience with court systems and processes for filings.


Minimum Qualification

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies and four (4) 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 six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.


Employment Requirements

This position is required to drive a state vehicle. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. 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 performed primarily in an office setting with personal computer and phone usage. Some travel may be required with an ability to handle tight deadlines and multiple demands related to work requirements.


Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here


Agency Contact Information: Julie Park View phone number on click.appcast.io 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.