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Role Description

This is a remote position for a full-time Civil Litigation Trial Attorney (3+ years experience) who can handle a fast-moving caseload and deliver quality results. We are only considering candidates who currently reside in New Mexico.

What You’ll Handle

• Manage a caseload that may include:
  • Real estate litigation (Landlord-tenant disputes, HOA conflicts, failure to disclose cases, Municipal ordinance violations, etc.)
  • Business litigation (Contract disputes, FDUTPA claims, commercial real estate matters, Entity Formations, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Litigation (Pre-suit through Trial)
  • Lead matters from intake strategy through resolution (settlement, mediation/arbitration, or trial)
  • Develop case-specific legal strategies aligned to client goals, risk tolerance, and cost realities
  • Maintain proactive case timelines: you control deadlines and forward motion
• Motions & Discovery (Motions-Heavy Practice)
  • Draft and argue dispositive and non-dispositive motions; manage hearings
  • Drive discovery strategy: written discovery, meet-and-confers, motions to compel/protective orders, and evidentiary positioning
  • Take and defend depositions; prepare witnesses effectively
• Courtroom & Hearing Work
  • Appear in court (mostly remote, but may require some in court appearances) for contested/uncontested matters including motion hearings and trials
  • Prepare thoroughly: evidence, witnesses, exhibits, outlines, and trial themes
• Client Communication & Trust
  • Communicate clearly and consistently with clients—reduce confusion, build confidence, and set expectations
  • Deliver practical recommendations (not just legal analysis), with options and next steps
• Modern Practice & Continuous Improvement
  • Continuously improve templates, workflows, and internal processes so the entire team becomes more effective over time
  • Utilize advanced legal technology and automation tools to increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across matters

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

• You quickly learn our case types and expectations and begin handling files end-to-end
• Motions and discovery are timely, organized, and strategically aligned
• Clients feel informed and guided, not anxious or confused
• You contribute ideas on workflow/template improvement that saves time or improves quality

Qualifications

• New Mexico Bar license (active, in good standing)
• Trial and motions practice experience required (jury or bench trial involvement and comfort appearing in court)
• At least three years civil litigation experience
• Strong command of the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure
• Ability to manage disputes through settlement, mediation, arbitration, or trial
• Professional judgment, responsiveness, and strong client-facing communication in a remote environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years handling general civil litigation (or closely related litigation experience)
• Experience with real estate litigation, HOA/COA matters, landlord/tenant, or business disputes
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced practice with measurable deadlines and outcomes
• Reside in or near Santa Fe or Albuquerque

The Kind of Lawyer We’re Intentionally Hiring

• Resourcefulness: you solve problems, find answers, and move cases forward
• Curiosity: you ask the second question, spot leverage points, and learn fast
• Fearlessness: you take initiative, own hard conversations, and aren’t intimidated by complexity
• High ownership: you treat deadlines, client trust, and results like they’re personal

How to Apply

Apply now to join a team of dedicated legal professionals who mix personal care with strong advocacy. We offer a collaborative remote environment, real growth opportunities, and a practice that rewards initiative. Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

• 401(k) + matching
• Health/dental/vision
• Life insurance
• Holidays
• PTO (vacation/sick/personal)
• Annual bonuses and professional development