Civil Litigation Attorney

Civil Litigation Attorney

Experienced Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law is a boutique firm serving clients across New Mexico in real estate litigation, business litigation, criminal defense, and debt defense. We blend personal care with efficient advocacy to protect our clients' legal interests and help our communities thrive. Bernhardt Riley is hiring a full-time Civil Litigation Trial Attorney (3+ Years) who can handle a fast-moving caseload and deliver quality results. This is a fully remote role—we are only considering candidates who currently reside in New Mexico. We are seeking an attorney who is excited not only to manage an active caseload and conduct client consultations, but also to play a meaningful role in growing and shaping the division. The ideal candidate will bring energy, leadership, and a business-minded approach to helping expand the practice, deliver an outstanding client experience, strengthen the firm's reputation, and contribute to attracting, developing, and retaining talented team members. This is an opportunity for someone who wants ownership, impact, and a voice in building a successful, respected practice area.

Compensation: $150K to $200K/year+ DOE

Why This Role Exists (and Why It's Different)

Civil litigation is changing quickly: clients expect speed and clarity, courts demand precision, and technology is reshaping how quality attorneys prepare. We are seeking an experienced trial attorney who combines strong litigation skills with resourcefulness, intellectual curiosity, and sound judgment, and who is capable of advancing matters strategically and decisively. If you thrive on identifying the core issues quickly, improving how work gets done, and collaborating within a strong, supportive team—even in a fully remote environment—you will fit in well within our firm's culture.

What You'll Handle

• Real estate litigation (Landlord-tenant disputes, HOA conflicts, failure to disclose cases, Municipal ordinance violations, etc.)
• Business litigation (Contract disputes, FDUTPA claims, commercial real estate matters, Entity Formations etc.)

Responsibilities

• Litigation (Pre-suit through Trial)
• Lead matters from intake strategy through resolution (settlement, mediation/arbitration, or trial)
• Develop case-specific legal strategies aligned to client goals, risk tolerance, and cost realities
• Maintain proactive case timelines: you control deadlines and forward motion
• Motions & Discovery (Motions-Heavy Practice)
• Draft and argue dispositive and non-dispositive motions; manage hearings
• Drive discovery strategy: written discovery, meet-and-confers, motions to compel/protective orders, and evidentiary positioning
• Take and defend depositions; prepare witnesses effectively
• Courtroom & Hearing Work
• Appear in court (mostly remote, but may require some in court appearances) for contested/uncontested matters including motion hearings and trials
• Prepare thoroughly: evidence, witnesses, exhibits, outlines, and trial themes
• Client Communication & Trust
• Communicate clearly and consistently with clients—reduce confusion, build confidence, and set expectations
• Deliver practical recommendations (not just legal analysis), with options and next steps
• Modern Practice & Continuous Improvement
• Continuously improve templates, workflows, and internal processes so the entire team becomes more effective over time. Utilize advanced legal technology and automation tools to increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across matters.

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

You quickly learn our case types and expectations and begin handling files end-to-end Motions and discovery are timely, organized, and strategically aligned Clients feel informed and guided, not anxious or confused You contribute ideas on workflow/template improvement that saves time or improves quality

Only individuals residing in the state of New Mexico are being considered at this time.

Required Qualifications

• New Mexico Bar license (active, in good standing)
• Trial and motions practice experience required (jury or bench trial involvement and comfort appearing in court)
• At least three years civil litigation experience
• Strong command of the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure
• Ability to manage disputes through settlement, mediation, arbitration, or trial
• Professional judgment, responsiveness, and strong client-facing communication in a remote environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years handling general civil litigation (or closely related litigation experience)
• Experience with real estate litigation, HOA/COA matters, landlord/tenant, or business disputes
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced practice with measurable deadlines and outcomes
• At or near Santa Fe; Albuquerque is preferred

The Kind of Lawyer We're Intentionally Hiring

We're screening for: Resourcefulness: you solve problems, find answers, and move cases forward Curiosity: you ask the second question, spot leverage points, and learn fast Fearlessness: you take initiative, own hard conversations, and aren't intimidated by complexity High ownership: you treat deadlines, client trust, and results like they're personal

How to Apply

Apply now to join a team of dedicated legal professionals who mix personal care with strong advocacy. We offer a collaborative remote environment, real growth opportunities, and a practice that rewards initiative. Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

Bernhardt Riley offers a strong compensation and benefits package for attorneys who want meaningful litigation work, professional autonomy, and a healthier long-term practice environment. Benefits include: Competitive salary: $150,000–$200,000+ DOE 401(k) with firm matching Health, dental, vision, and life insurance Paid holidays, including an additional firm-designated holiday Paid vacation, sick, and personal time Half-day Fridays, subject to litigation demands, court deadlines, and client needs Gym membership reimbursement/stipend Annual bonus opportunities Professional development support, including CLEs, training, and leadership growth Fully remote work environment for New Mexico-based attorneys