City Attorney

The City of Carlsbad is accepting applications for the position of City Attorney. Under the general direction and supervision of the City Manager, performs a variety of complex, high level administrative, technical, and professional legal work in prosecuting violations of municipal ordinances, coordinates civil lawsuits, prepares legal documents, advises City employees and elected officials as to legal rights and obligations, and practices other phases of applicable local, state, and federal law. Provides leadership and direction in the development of short-and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for presentation and recommendations; and coordinates legal department activities with other departments and agencies as needed. Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and City employees and elected officials on specialized legal issues. Prepares a variety of memorandums for decision-making purposes. Provides professional advice to the City Council and Department Directors; makes presentations to City Council, boards, commissions, and the general public. Advises City officials of changes to state or federal laws affecting City operations. Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for City employees and elected officials. Attends all meetings of the City Council, Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, Board of Solid Waste, Planning and Zoning Commission or any other meeting created by state statute or as designated by the City Administrator. Advises the City Council of legal conditions and current and future trends and issues legal opinions. Prepares and submits to the City Council such information as may be required by that body or as designated by the City Manager. Reviews and approves ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; and provides legal advice as to substance. Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, renewals, deeds, leases, franchises, easements, liens, releases, etc.; and reviews documents prepared by other agencies or entities. Assists Department Directors to comply with laws, rules and ordinances. Represents the City in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government. Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases. Files briefs with court. Gather evidence in civil, criminal, and other proceedings to formulate defenses or to initiate legal action. Conducts research, and prepares court case witnesses, exhibits and other details in preparation for trials. Performs general management duties for the City Manager as assigned. Other related duties as may be assigned. Any combination of education, training, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is preferred. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: - Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited school of law with a Juris Doctor degree. - A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience as a practicing attorney, with four (4) years’ experience in the areas of law related to municipal or other governmental law. - Three (3) years of supervisory experience. - Experience in oil and gas law preferred. - Must possess a license to practice law in the State of New Mexico and be a member in good standing of the New Mexico State Bar Association. - Must not have a conflict of interest that might preclude performance of any duty on behalf of the City of Carlsbad. - Residency within the City of Carlsbad or the census designated communities immediately adjoining the city limits is required within six (6) months of hire. - Must have an excellent work history to include dependability and stability. - Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License. - Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. Attends and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in program development and implementation of assigned areas. Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Utilities and executive staff; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommend modifications to utility programs, policies and procedures as appropriate. Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; conduct rate studies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. Knowledge, Abilities, Skills Knowledge of current policies and practices of municipal law and public administration. Knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs and laws involving the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment, and traffic. Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents. Skill in operating personal computer, including word processing (Word) spreadsheet programs (Excel), e-filing, email, calendaring, remote meetings, scanners, and other office equipment. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents. Ability to carry out assigned projects to completion. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents. Ability to carry out assigned projects to completion. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public. Ability to efficiently and effectively administer a municipal legal department. #J-18808-Ljbffr