What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy General Counsel (EMNRD #5251) position at State of New Mexico?
Posting Details
The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) works to position New Mexico as a leader in energy and natural resource stewardship. The agency is responsible for developing reliable energy resources, conserving renewable and nonrenewable resources, supporting responsible land reclamation, improving forest and watershed health, and managing a statewide system of state parks.
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal representation, guidance, and support to all EMNRD divisions. OGC ensures the Department's programs operate in compliance with state and federal law, supports rulemaking and policy development, manages litigation, and advises senior leadership.
This posting is used for the ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to provide high-level legal leadership, oversight, and representation for the Department on behalf of the Office of General Counsel. The role ensures all Department divisions conduct their programs, rulemakings, contracts, fiscal activities, and administrative actions in full compliance with state and federal law. It supports the General Counsel by managing complex legal matters, overseeing rule development, supervising attorneys and legal support professionals, and representing the Department in litigation, administrative hearings, interagency negotiations, and legislative processes. By offering expert legal advice on sensitive, high-impact issues and coordinating department-wide legal strategies, this position enables the Department to fulfill its mission effectively, lawfully, and consistently across all programs.
How does it get done?
This position is responsible for providing high-level legal leadership for the Department, serving as a primary advisor to key divisions, and acting on behalf of the General Counsel when needed. The role oversees complex rulemaking, drafts and reviews legal documents, and represents the Department in administrative and judicial proceedings. It collaborates with state and federal agencies on shared legal matters, supports the development of legislation, and advises senior leadership on legal risk and strategic options. The position also supervises assigned attorneys and staff while ensuring department programs operate in full compliance with state and federal law.
Who are the customers?
This job is performed for the Department's leadership, divisions, and programs that rely on consistent, accurate, and strategic legal guidance to operate effectively. The Deputy General Counsel supports the General Counsel, Department Secretary, Deputy Secretary, division managers, and program staff by ensuring their decisions, actions, and operations comply with state and federal law.
Ideal Candidate
This job is performed for the Department's leadership, divisions, and programs that rely on consistent, accurate, and strategic legal guidance to operate effectively. The Deputy General Counsel supports the General Counsel, Department Secretary, Deputy Secretary, division managers, and program staff by ensuring their decisions, actions, and operations comply with state and federal law.
Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, to include two (2) years of supervisory experience. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license.
Employment Requirements
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Must maintain and possess a current New Mexico Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours, as well as on-call or callback work during urgent or time-sensitive matters. Responsibilities involve extensive computer and keyboard use, managing deadlines, and navigating stressful situations. Travel may be required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Cindy Pino, (505) 607-5571, 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.
The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) works to position New Mexico as a leader in energy and natural resource stewardship. The agency is responsible for developing reliable energy resources, conserving renewable and nonrenewable resources, supporting responsible land reclamation, improving forest and watershed health, and managing a statewide system of state parks.
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal representation, guidance, and support to all EMNRD divisions. OGC ensures the Department's programs operate in compliance with state and federal law, supports rulemaking and policy development, manages litigation, and advises senior leadership.
This posting is used for the ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to provide high-level legal leadership, oversight, and representation for the Department on behalf of the Office of General Counsel. The role ensures all Department divisions conduct their programs, rulemakings, contracts, fiscal activities, and administrative actions in full compliance with state and federal law. It supports the General Counsel by managing complex legal matters, overseeing rule development, supervising attorneys and legal support professionals, and representing the Department in litigation, administrative hearings, interagency negotiations, and legislative processes. By offering expert legal advice on sensitive, high-impact issues and coordinating department-wide legal strategies, this position enables the Department to fulfill its mission effectively, lawfully, and consistently across all programs.
How does it get done?
This position is responsible for providing high-level legal leadership for the Department, serving as a primary advisor to key divisions, and acting on behalf of the General Counsel when needed. The role oversees complex rulemaking, drafts and reviews legal documents, and represents the Department in administrative and judicial proceedings. It collaborates with state and federal agencies on shared legal matters, supports the development of legislation, and advises senior leadership on legal risk and strategic options. The position also supervises assigned attorneys and staff while ensuring department programs operate in full compliance with state and federal law.
Who are the customers?
This job is performed for the Department's leadership, divisions, and programs that rely on consistent, accurate, and strategic legal guidance to operate effectively. The Deputy General Counsel supports the General Counsel, Department Secretary, Deputy Secretary, division managers, and program staff by ensuring their decisions, actions, and operations comply with state and federal law.
Ideal Candidate
This job is performed for the Department's leadership, divisions, and programs that rely on consistent, accurate, and strategic legal guidance to operate effectively. The Deputy General Counsel supports the General Counsel, Department Secretary, Deputy Secretary, division managers, and program staff by ensuring their decisions, actions, and operations comply with state and federal law.
Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, to include two (2) years of supervisory experience. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license.
Employment Requirements
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
Must maintain and possess a current New Mexico Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours, as well as on-call or callback work during urgent or time-sensitive matters. Responsibilities involve extensive computer and keyboard use, managing deadlines, and navigating stressful situations. Travel may be required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Cindy Pino, (505) 607-5571, 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.