Our client is a major holder of land, leading developer of real estate and award-winning homebuilder in New Mexico.

We are seeking a Litigation Attorney. This position will report to the Vice President/General Counsel. The ideal candidate will lead and manage the company’s litigation, disputes, and risk matters, including real estate, title, land development, construction, HOA-related disputes, contract enforcement, and other legal department needs. This role will provide practical legal advice and guidance to company leadership, coordinate strategy with outside counsel, and help resolve disputes efficiently while protecting the company’s business objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Litigation & Dispute Management (Primary Focus)
· Manage a docket of active disputes and litigation matters from intake through resolution (demand, pre-suit, litigation, settlement, trial, and appeal as needed).
· Serve as the internal point of contact for dispute strategy, including early case assessment, risk analysis, budget planning, and recommended path to resolution.
· Oversee and coordinate outside counsel, including scope management, budget oversight, reporting requirements, and performance expectations.
· Draft and review litigation-related documents as appropriate (demand letters, responses, settlement agreements, releases, discovery support materials, notices of claim, and correspondence).
· Coordinate internal fact investigation, interviews, document holds, and collection of records; maintain organized litigation files and chronologies.
· Support dispute resolution efforts including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and settlement.
· Provide regular updates to leadership regarding case status, exposure, and key deadlines.

Real Estate, Title & Land/Development Disputes
· Handle disputes involving title defects/clouds on title, easements, boundary issues, restrictive covenants, and other recorded instruments.
· Coordinate curative actions and dispute strategy with title companies, surveyors, and outside counsel.
· Manage disputes involving land acquisition/sale contracts, option agreements, development obligations, and enforcement of contract terms.
· Support matters related to governmental or administrative proceedings affecting land development, as applicable, including responding to notices and coordinating submissions with consultants and counsel.

Construction, Warranty & Vendor/Contractor Disputes
· Support disputes common to homebuilding and development, including construction defect claims, warranty claims, subcontractor/vendor issues, and insurance-related matters.
· Coordinate document collection and communication with internal construction teams to support investigations, defenses, and resolutions.
· Assist with claims strategy, risk mitigation, and documentation practices to reduce future exposure.

Contract Enforcement & Risk Prevention (Secondary Focus)
· Advise internal teams on dispute-avoidance, documentation, and contract enforcement strategies.
· Assist in drafting and reviewing provisions that reduce litigation exposure (indemnities, limitation of liability, dispute resolution clauses, and notice provisions).
· Support development and maintenance of standard templates and internal processes related to claims management and document control.

General Legal Department Support
· Provide legal research and analysis, issue spotting, and guidance to leadership on risk and compliance concerns related to disputes.
· Assist with departmental records management, training, and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
· Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
· Authorized to practice law in New Mexico (active license in good standing).
· 3+ years of litigation experience preferred (law firm or in-house), ideally including some combination of real estate, construction, title, contract disputes, HOA disputes, or commercial litigation.
· Strong drafting and negotiation skills; practical judgment and business-oriented approach to resolving disputes.
· Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines; maintain confidentiality; work independently and as part of a team.
· Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail.
· Excellent computer skills; proficiency with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe.
· General understanding of land development and/or the construction industry is a plus.

Anticipated Salary Range: $105k - $115k