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Associate Attorney Jobs in Aztec, NM (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney information

See Aztec, NM salary details

$37.9K

$89.2K

$142.3K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Aztec, NM is $89,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $107,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssociate AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice lawAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, client counseling, drafting legal documents, court appearancesLegal research, document preparation, case organization, client communication

Associate Attorneys are licensed legal professionals who handle complex legal tasks and represent clients in court, while Paralegals support attorneys with research and document preparation without practicing law. Both roles are essential in legal settings, but Associate Attorneys have more advanced responsibilities and licensing requirements.

What does an associate attorney do?

Associate attorneys are early career lawyers who work for law firms to gain experience and hone their skills after completing law school and passing the bar exam for their state. Under the guidance of an experienced attorney or a partner in the firm, associate attorneys assist with cases by conducting legal research and writing reports, legal briefs, and other documents. Associate attorneys also negotiate with colleagues from other law firms, participate in jury selection, and help argue cases in court.

What is an associate attorney?

An Associate Attorney is a licensed lawyer who works at a law firm and typically has less experience than partners or senior attorneys. Their responsibilities often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, meeting with clients, and assisting with case preparation. Associate Attorneys usually work under the supervision of more senior lawyers and are on a partnership track, meaning they may eventually be considered for partnership in the firm. Their role is crucial for supporting the firm's legal work and gaining experience in various areas of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective case preparation, compliance with legal standards, and successful collaboration with clients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by associate attorneys in their first few years, and how can they overcome them?

Associate attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm, and learning to balance billable hour requirements with professional development. Building strong organizational and time-management skills is crucial to handle multiple cases and deadlines effectively. Additionally, seeking mentorship, actively communicating with senior attorneys, and asking for feedback can help associates navigate complex matters and grow professionally within the firm.
What cities near Aztec, NM are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Aztec, NM with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Aztec, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,215 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Deputy City Attorney OR Assistant City Attorney (DOQ)

City of Farmington

Farmington, NM • On-site

$75K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


City Of Farmington (New Mexico) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB OPENINGCITY OF FARMINGTONJOB POSITION #22: DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY or ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY (DOQ) NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1DEPARTMENT: LegalPAY CLASS: Deputy City Attorney- "P" SALARY RANGE: $75,191 - $116,906/ Annual Assistant City Attorney "O" SALARY RANGE: $67,875 - $105,552 / AnnualWORK LOCATION: City HallTYPE OF POSITION: Regular, Full-Time DAYS WORKED: Monday FridayHOURS WORKED: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED THROUGH: Until FilledResumes submitted without a City of Farmington application will not be considered in our job selection process. JOB DUTIESDEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Works under the supervision of the City Attorney.Acts in place of, and assumes the duties of, the City Attorney as directed by the City Attorney and in the absence of the City Attorney.As directed by the City Attorney, supervises and directs work of the City Attorney's Office support staff and Assistant City Attorney(s).Either directly, or by directing the work of the Assistant City Attorney(s) prosecutes the laws and ordinances of the city in municipal, district, and appellate courts.Under the general direction of the City Attorney, directs and advises the Claims Manager in managing claims on behalf of, and against, the city.Prosecutes and defends legal actions on behalf of the city. Represents the city in court proceedings, mediations, arbitrations and governmental administrative proceedings.Attends City Council meetings and other city board and commission meetings; offers advice as necessary.Provides legal advice to city department heads, division heads, and other city employees in regard to their official duties and responsibilities.Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, deeds, easements, agreements and other legal documents for the City Council, Mayor, City Manager and other city officials.Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Recommends for adoption by the Council such measures that may be necessary or expedient.Prepares and submits to the Council such reports and opinions as may be required by that body or as the City Attorney may deem it advisable to submit.The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.QUALIFICATIONS:This position is subject to the City's Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Program. This includes: post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return-to-duty testing, and follow-up testing.Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.A license to practice law in New Mexico; in good standing of the state Supreme Court and the New Mexico Bar Association.Valid New Mexico driver's license is required or ability to obtain one upon being hired.At least ten years experience in the practice of law, at least five years of which has been in the state of New Mexico.At least two years experience as a full-time municipal attorney preferred.Comprehensive knowledge of state statues concerning municipal affairs, including laws regulating municipal government, public procurement, public employment, land use, utilities and traffic laws.Demonstrated skills in performing legal research, drafting briefs and other legal pleadings and making legal arguments.Ability to read, comprehend, edit, revise and advise others as to meaning of, complex legal documents, contracts, agreements, deeds, easements, court decisions, and legal opinions.Ability to appear before and make presentations to, councils, boards and commissions, and other administrative agencies.Ability to manage, supervise, motivate, and evaluate attorneys and legal support staff.Ability to operate tools and equipment as needed to perform job duties.JOB DUTIES:ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY:ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Performs a variety of complex, high level administrative, technical and professional work in prosecuting crimes, conducting civil lawsuits, drawing up legal documents, advising city officials as to legal rights, obligations, practices other phases of applicable local, state and Federal law.Works under the supervision of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney.Directs work load of legal secretary and other support staff.Provides professional advice to the City Council and department heads; makes presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.Prosecutes violations of City ordinances in Municipal Court, prepares Municipal Court cases for trial, and advises police officers and other enforcement personnel.Assists department directors to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully performed.Through the City Attorney, advises the City Council of legal conditions and current and future trends; issues legal opinions.Attends all meetings of the Council or administration at which attendance may be required.Attends meetings of other public bodies or agencies when directed.Approves ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; provides legal advice as to substance.Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; reviews documents prepared by other agencies or parties.Advises City officials of changes to state or Federal laws affecting city operations.Gathers evidence in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.Conducts research, interviews City staff and witnesses, and handles other details in preparation for trial.Prepares legal pleadings, motions and briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case. Files documents with court.Represents City in state and federal courts, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for City officials and staff.Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serves as a liaison between outside legal counsel and City officials on specialized legal issues.Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Recommends for adoption by the Council such measures that may be necessary or expedient.Prepares and submits to the Council such reports and opinions as may be required by that body or as the City Attorney may deem it advisable to submit.The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.QUALIFICATIONS:This position is subject to the City of Farmington's Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy which includes: pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing.Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.A license to practice law in New Mexico; member in good standing of the state Bar Association.Valid New Mexico driver's license with acceptable driving record for past three years.Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs; considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment and traffic.Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public.Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City personnel and the public.Ability to operate tools and equipment listed.BOTH POSITIONS:TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:Requires frequent use of personal computer, including word processing; calculator, telephone, copy machine, and motor vehicle.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The work environment is a normal office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F/D/V.
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