Graduate School Intern-Legal (DFA/OTS #10118728)

Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES FULL-TIME, ON-SITE PRESENCE IN SANTA FE.

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) serves as the State's central financial management agency, providing fiscal oversight, budgetary control, accounting guidance, and statewide financial reporting to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with state and federal law. DFA supports executive leadership, the Legislature, state agencies, and the public by promoting sound fiscal stewardship and consistent financial practices across New Mexico government.

Why does the job exist?

The Legal Intern will support the General Counsel's Office (GCO) of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) in delivering timely, accurate, and practical legal services
that advance DFA's fiscal management, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance. Under the supervision of Assistant General Counsel and subject-matter attorneys, the intern will
assist with legal research and writing, contract and procurement support, rulemaking and policy review, open government matters, and litigation support. The internship is designed to provide
hands-on exposure to public sector lawyering, including administrative law, government procurement, public finance, employment and labor issues within an agency context, intergovernmental
agreements, and compliance with state transparency and records laws. The role emphasizes professional development, ethical practice, and clear, service-oriented communication with internal
clients.

How does it get done?

Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on issues arising in state administrative law, procurement, public finances, contracts, employment, and regulatory compliance.
Review, analyze, and help draft or revise contracts, MOUs, interagency agreements, RFP/RFQ documents, and related procurement records for legal sufficiency and risk allocation.
Assist with rulemaking and policy projects, including citation checks, drafting of proposed rule text, preparation of statements of reasons, and compilation of administrative records.
Support responses to Inspection of Public Records Act requests and open meetings compliance, including issue-spotting, privilege review coordination, and preparation of response drafts.
Prepare summaries, issue briefs, and client alerts regarding new or updated legal requirements and agency guidance.
Assist in pre-litigation and litigation support, including factual development, document management, draft pleadings or motions under attorney supervision, and coordination with outside
counsel as needed.
Develop and maintain tracking tools for legal matters, deadlines, and deliverables; assist with matter intake and file organization in accordance with office protocols.
Attend internal client meetings, trainings, and, when available, administrative hearings or court proceedings; prepare meeting notes and action item follow-ups.
Perform cite-checking, proofreading, and quality control for legal documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Uphold confidentiality, privilege, and ethical obligations; follow DFA and GCO procedures for records retention and data security.

Who are the customers?

NM Department of Finance and Administration

Ideal Candidate

Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of an ABA-accredited J.D. program [or enrolled in a joint J.D./M.P.A. or J.D./M.B.A. program].
Coursework preferred in: Administrative Law; State and Local Government; Government Contracts/Procurement; Legislation and Regulation; Employment Law (public sector focus helpful); Constitutional Law (state constitutional issues); Public Finance or Municipal Finance; Ethics/Professional Responsibility; Legal Research and Writing (advanced).
Related graduate coursework considered: Public Administration, Public Policy, Budgeting and Financial Management, or Compliance and Risk Management.
Strong legal research and writing skills, with proficiency in citation formats and document editing; familiarity with document management tools and standard office software.
Commitment to public service and interest in state government practice; ability to handle confidential information and manage multiple deadlines.

Minimum Qualification

Currently enrolled in a Graduate School Program at an accredited college or university OR completion of at least two (2) semesters (or equivalent) of a graduate level program at an accredited college or university within the last two (2) years.

Employment Requirements

State issued ID or Driver's License.

Pre-employment criminal background check is required, and employment is conditional pending results.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: George Hypolite (505) 490-2840 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.

Salary : $37,752 - $56,628