City Attorney - City of Carlsbad, NM

Job Description

Are you an experienced attorney who can safeguard a fast-growing energy hub’s legal interests, guide elected officials, and lead a small but high-impact legal team? If so, apply to become Carlsbad’s next City Attorney! We are searching for an approachable, solutions-oriented advisor who is:
• Versed in municipal or governmental law
• Adept at drafting and negotiating complex contracts and ordinances
• A confident courtroom advocate and collaborative executive partner

Carlsbad is a dynamic, growing city of 31,999 residents nestled along the Pecos River in southeastern New Mexico’s Permian Basin. Fueled by potash mining, oil & gas, nuclear research, and a flourishing tourism sector anchored by world-renowned Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the city blends small-town charm with global energy expertise.

The Executive Department’s Legal Division safeguards Carlsbad’s legal and ethical integrity, providing civil counsel, contract review, ordinance drafting, and representation in all judicial and administrative forums.

The City Attorney reports to the City Manager. The ideal candidate is an accomplished attorney with local government law experience. A persuasive communicator and ethical advisor, they build consensus across politically diverse stakeholders, translate complex legal concepts into plain English, and balance risk mitigation with pragmatic problem-solving. Calm under pressure, and they thrive in the courtroom, council-chamber, and community settings; model transparency and accountability; mentor emerging legal talent; and embrace Carlsbad residency to immerse themselves in community life.

Required qualifications include:
• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Minimum 7 years’ legal practice, including 4 years in municipal/government law and 3 years supervisory experience
• Applicants must hold a current law license in good standing and meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the New Mexico Bar through reciprocity or admission on motion pursuant to New Mexico Rules Governing Admission to the Bar.
• Ability to obtain New Mexico driver’s license & establish City residency within six months

Preferred:
• Significant oil & gas or natural-resources law background
• Experience advising Mayor–Council jurisdictions
• Advanced training in public-sector labor, procurement, and land-use law

The salary for this position is $163,279.

Please apply online: https://www.governmentresource.com/recruitment/carlsbad-nm-city-attorney-2/

For more information on this position, contact:
Marsha Reed, Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment
marshareed@governmentresource.com | 806-789-9641