Appellate Attorney Assistant (U) #00054682-21600, Full-Time, At-Will, in Santa Fe, NM

About the Role

The New Mexico Supreme Court is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative attorney with a strong interest in the development, interpretation, organization, and maintenance of New Mexico’s rules, forms, uniform jury instructions, and other procedural and practice materials. The ideal candidate will have excellent analysis, legal writing, and editing skills, along with sound judgment and discretion. This role requires the ability to serve as a trusted liaison, representing the court professionally while managing complex projects and synthesizing competing perspectives. Judicial law clerk experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, research, and analysis to the court, making recommendations on legal matters.
• Assist the court with rulemaking authority and provide staff support for committees, boards, and commissions.
• Draft recommendations and proposed dispositions for assigned cases.
• Screen pro se petitions for jurisdiction and procedural prerequisites.
• Review motions, docketing statements, and briefs to assist in resolving pending appeals.
• Draft memoranda of law, proposed opinions, and orders for administrative and de novo appeals.
• Analyze briefs, records, and legal authorities cited in cases.
• Create proposed orders addressing petitions for extraordinary writs and motions in civil and criminal matters.
• Evaluate court processes and recommend policies to ensure compliance with statutory, constitutional, and rule-based requirements.
• Assist with personnel issues, ensuring compliance with employment laws and court policies.
• Support Requests for Proposals and Invitations to Bid.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations, training, or continuing education at conferences.
• Research proposed legislation, provide testimony, and develop strategies for legislative passage.
• Oversee court-mandated programs and prepare training materials.
• Ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and budgetary limitations.
• Serve on statewide or local committees.
• Maintain awareness of current legal developments.
• Respond to correspondence and information requests from litigants, attorneys, judges, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the U.S. and New Mexico constitutions, federal and state law, case law, statutes, rules, and procedures.
• Familiarity with rules of criminal and civil procedure, appellate procedure, evidence, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and rules of Professional Conduct.
• Understanding of court jurisdiction, operations, legal research, and judiciary processes.
• Ability to balance practical and legal considerations, develop procedures, and solve complex problems.
• Strong skills in legal analysis, writing, proofreading, and editing.
• Proficiency in court case management systems and supervisory techniques.
• Experience with conflict resolution and employment law.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of New Mexico.
• Three (3) years of experience in the practice of law or as a law clerk.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office or court setting. A valid driver’s license and occasional travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The role involves regular interaction with co-workers, clients, the public, judges, and justices.

Pay

Target pay range: $39.085–$78.170 per hour or $81,297–$162,594 annually.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• State-paid life insurance, with options for supplemental and dependent life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses.
• Paid vacation and sick leave (up to eight weeks).
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan.
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations.
• Free healthcare, prescriptions, and lab work at the Stay Well Health Center in Santa Fe, NM.
• Bilingual compensation (where applicable).
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Higher education opportunities, educational leave, and tuition reimbursement.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Overtime, holiday, or shift differential pay (where applicable).
• Physical fitness leave (where applicable).