General Counsel, Workers' Compensation Administration

Duties

• Provides legal advice to the Director, agency leadership, judges, bureaus and staff on matters related to the Workers' Compensation Act, Occupational Disease Disablement Act, administrative law and agency operations.
• Responds to or advises on public records disclosure requests under IPRA in a timely and legally compliant manner.
• Handles or provides guidance on subpoenas, discovery requests, records requests and other legal process matters.
• Reviews, drafts, negotiates and approves contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding and other legal documents.
• Advances state procurement, public entity law, ethics, Open Meetings Act compliance, IPRA compliance and other legal requirements applicable to state agencies.
• Supports rulemaking, statutory interpretation, legislative analysis, bill review and policy development.
• Represents or supports WCA in administrative, regulatory or legal proceedings, with or without outside counsel, as appropriate.
• Collaborates with other state agency Offices of General Counsel, agency stakeholders and external partners as needed.
• Supervises assigned legal staff and supports the work of the agency's legal office.
• Communicates regularly with the Director and executive leadership regarding legal issues, risk, pending matters and agency priorities.
• Demonstrates the ability to explain legal concepts clearly, effectively and accurately to non-lawyers.
• Attends continuing legal education seminars as necessary to maintain licensure and expand knowledge in relevant practice areas.
• Observes all professional rules of responsibility and performs work in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
• Conducts all work with integrity, professionalism and sound judgment.

Qualifications

• This position requires a minimum of ten years of legal practice experience in a relevant area, including experience in administrative law, public entity law, litigation, regulatory matters, employment law, workers' compensation, procurement, rulemaking or related legal fields.
• Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school, be a member in good standing of the bar of the state or recognized jurisdiction in which the individual practices law and have prompt eligibility for licensure and good standing in New Mexico.

Employment Requirements

• Must possess/obtain and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License.
• Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting with frequent use of a computer, phone, printer, scanner, digital records systems and other office equipment.
• The position may require extended periods of sitting, review of electronic records and participation in meetings, hearings, training or public proceedings.