New Mexico Associate Attorney

About the role

• Preparation of pleadings, motions and correspondence relating to judicial foreclosures, mediations, foreclosure-related litigation, loss-mitigation, bankruptcy, post-foreclosure evictions, and surplus proceeds cases. May be required to attend court hearings, mediations, and depositions. Supervise paralegal staff in preparation of work-product relating to foreclosure-related litigation, loss-mitigation, bankruptcy, post-foreclosure evictions, and surplus proceeds cases. Manage all actions and act as prime contact for clients and staff. Must be familiar with foreclosure work. Title background, to include post-sale marketable title, is also desirable. Travel may be required for court appearances and other in-person meetings.

What you'll do

• Efficient management of multiple files in various stages of progression: litigation issues, foreclosures, bankruptcy, evictions, excess proceeds, deeds in lieu, replevins, sales, probate, and other litigation matters as assigned.
• Research and analytical skills sufficient to review, digest, and adjust business to new regulatory demands.
• Timely preparation of high quality letters, emails, documents, pleadings, motions, discovery, disclosure, and appellate briefs as assigned.
• Reviews, audits, and edits legal work product of department staff.
• Provides guidance, feedback, and approval on legal work product.
• Maintains a high level of ethical standards, including but not limited to case load management, communications, and timeliness.
• Excellent communication skills, with particular emphasis on client communications and correspondence.
• Attend court hearings, sales, mediations, trials, and oral arguments as required.
• Ability to learn and effectively use internal case management systems (CMS) and client shared platforms to keep files moving forward, maintain accurate and up-to-date records, complete tasks and events, and keep firm personnel and clients apprised of case status.
• Works well with others, communicates effectively, collaborates with colleagues, and contributes as a team player.
• Self-starter who can work independently to ensure work is completed timely, efficiently, and accurately.
• Initial intake and preparation of strategy analysis of new cases assigned.
• Research law and facts applicable to assigned cases.
• Accurate recording of billable and non-billable work performed.
• Provides excellent customer service to clients.
• Commitment to continued education/learning by attending CLEs, etc.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by Managing Attorney.

Qualifications

• This position requires a Juris Doctorate, New Mexico Bar license in good standing.
• • Other skills required:
  • Possess relevant technology competencies such as Westlaw and time-billing software.
  • 5 years of experience as an associate attorney.
  • Background in real property, foreclosure, and title preferred.
  • Dual licensure in New Mexico and one or more of the following states preferred: Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, or Colorado.

Competencies

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; resilient.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things, contributing team member, respectful of others.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Required to work in an office setting, including operating a computer, printer, or other standard office equipment.
• The work may be performed in a traditional office environment or remotely.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Virtual appearances, client meetings, presentations, training, and other remote proceedings may be required.
• Travel may be required for court appearances and other in-person meetings.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.