Attorney Associate; U At- in Las Cruces, NM

Attorney Associate (U) # – Las Cruces, NM

Position
:
Full‑Time, Permanent.
Location
:
Las Cruces, NM.

Summary
:
The Third Judicial District Court is recruiting a full‑time Attorney Associate to support the Legal Division. The role reports to the Judge, Court Executive Officer, or Supervising Attorney and involves legal advice, research, drafting, and support of the court’s operations.

Acting under general direction of the AOC general counsel plan, organize, direct, and manage the statewide program for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including supervision of the Children’s Court Mediation Program (CCMP) and the Magistrate Court Mediation Program (MCMP). Reviews and analyzes cases; examines briefs, records and legal authorities cited; drafts opinions, orders and decisions for judges’ review and final approval; provides updated information to judges on recent decisions, opinions and changes to rules and statutes to ensure compliance with current law;

drafts, interprets, and negotiates contracts for the court; provides legal advice to the Chief Judge, other judges, the Court Executive Officer, division managers, and various court committees as necessary; advises in the areas of business, contract, procurement, employment, general civil, criminal, and constitutional law; attends trials, hearings, and meetings as necessary; reviews proposed legislation, analyzes impact on the court, prepares written bill analyses and attends legislative hearings;

performs special assignments as directed; manages outside litigation; may participate in training and oversight of assigned staff, including the staff of the Court’s Self‑Help Program; acts as liaison to local and state bar, litigants, agencies, and agency personnel; maintains confidentiality and uses discretion when dealing with sensitive information. Organizes and prioritizes workload and manages multiple projects; analyzes and organizes facts, evidence and precedents;

communicates effectively both orally and in writing; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships; and uses initiative and independent judgment with minimal supervision. May perform other duties in order to meet the operational needs of the court.

• The Attorney Associate is responsible for reviewing cases, performing legal research, evaluating, analyzing, writing, and making recommendations concerning the work of the Court or Judicial Entity.
• Performs bill analysis as assigned by the AOC general counsel and provides general support during the annual legislative session by attending hearings, meeting with legislators, and tracking bills as assigned.
• Assesses the appropriateness of mediation or a dispute resolution process for a case.
• Conducts a mediation or dispute resolution process subject to applicable standards of confidentiality.
• Leads joint discussions with all parties, and private discussions with each party to identify issues, contentions, and interests to develop a constructive working environment, and to generate discussion of options for resolution.
• Oversees and encourages negotiations extending beyond the initial conferences through subsequent conversations or additional conferences.
• Facilitates settlement until an agreement is reached or until settlement does not appear to be possible.
• Coordinates the work of volunteers, contract personnel, and outside entities.
• Maintains and administers court‑mandated program(s), and works with statewide district courts to implement or enhance Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs.
• Analyzes court administrative operations, policies, and procedures to ensure procedural consistency and compliance with established law and Supreme Court Rule(s).
• Prepares curriculum or workshop materials for training and educational programs.
• Communicates, supports, and develops working relationships with associated parties.
• Revises and implements forms, policies, and procedure manuals.
• Ensures compliance with statutory deadlines and budgetary limitations.
• Monitors program(s) database (data development, collection, entry, and generation of reports).
• Serves on statewide or local committees and provides training at national, state, and local…