The posting
Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law is a boutique law firm serving clients throughout New Mexico in debt defense, real estate litigation, business litigation, and criminal defense. We combine personal care with efficient, strategic advocacy to protect our clients’ legal interests and help them resolve difficult problems. Bernhardt Riley is hiring a full-time Debt Defense Litigation Attorney to manage an active caseload of consumer debt lawsuits from initial appearance through resolution or trial. This is a fully remote role, although occasional in-person court appearances may be required. We are looking for an attorney who understands that effective debt defense requires more than processing cases. The right attorney can quickly evaluate a lawsuit, identify leverage, develop the appropriate defense and settlement strategy, and move the matter toward the best practical outcome for the client. This role also provides the opportunity to help strengthen and improve a growing practice area through better strategies, processes, technology, and team development. Compensation: $100,000+/year DOE Bar licenses in multiple jurisdictions is preferred but not required. Benefits Bernhardt Riley offers a strong compensation and benefits package for attorneys seeking meaningful litigation work, professional autonomy, and a healthier long-term practice environment. Benefits include: Competitive salary of $100,000+ DOE 401(k) with firm matching Health, dental, vision, and life insurance Paid holidays, including an additional firm-designated holiday Paid vacation, sick, and personal time Half-day Fridays for Division Leads and employees who have been with the firm for more than two years, subject to litigation demands, court deadlines, and client needs Gym membership reimbursement/stipend Annual bonus opportunities Professional development support, including CLEs, training, and leadership growth Fully remote work environment Why This Role Exists — and Why It’s Different Debt defense is a high-volume litigation practice, but we do not believe it should be practiced with a high-volume mentality. Every lawsuit presents different facts, documentation, procedural issues, settlement opportunities, and client objectives. We expect our attorneys to understand the case, identify the strongest available strategy, and exercise professional judgment rather than simply moving files through a standardized process. At the same time, technology and automation are rapidly changing legal practice. We are building a modern debt defense practice in which technology handles more of the routine administrative work so our attorneys can spend more time on strategy, advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and results. If you enjoy finding weaknesses in a case, solving problems, negotiating from a position of strength, and taking ownership of matters from beginning to end, you will fit well within our firm. What You’ll Handle You will manage consumer debt defense matters from initial appearance through resolution, including cases involving credit cards, consumer loans, debt buyers, and other consumer debt claims. Case Strategy & Ownership Evaluate each case and develop a case-specific defense and resolution strategy Manage matters from Notice of Appearance and Answer through settlement, dismissal, summary judgment, mediation, or trial Identify procedural, evidentiary, standing, documentation, and other potential defenses Maintain proactive case timelines and ensure matters continue moving toward resolution Balance legal strategy with the client's goals, financial circumstances, risks, and practical realities Motions & Discovery Draft and respond to written discovery Analyze documents produced by plaintiffs and identify evidentiary or substantive weaknesses Prepare and argue motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, motions to compel, and other appropriate dispositive and non-dispositive motions Handle discovery disputes and related hearings Prepare for and conduct or defend depositions when appropriate Hearings & Trial Attend Zoom and remote hearings throughout New Mexico Attend in-person proceedings when necessary; coverage counsel may be utilized for certain routine appearances Prepare matters thoroughly for contested hearings and trial Organize evidence, witnesses, exhibits, legal arguments, and trial strategy Comfortably advocate for clients before judges and opposing counsel Negotiation & Resolution Evaluate settlement opportunities throughout the litigation process Negotiate strategically with opposing counsel Provide clients with clear recommendations regarding litigation risk, settlement options, and next steps Resolve matters through dismissal, settlement, mediation, arbitration, judgment, or trial as appropriate Client Communication & Trust Communicate clearly and consistently with clients Explain litigation strategy and options in understandable terms Set realistic expectations while giving clients confidence that their matter is being actively managed Provide practical recommendations rather than simply presenting legal analysis Team Leadership & Collaboration Work closely with legal assistants, paralegals, and other attorneys within the Debt Defense Division Provide direction and guidance regarding case strategy and litigation priorities Help develop team members and improve consistency across the practice Collaborate effectively within a remote environment Modern Practice & Continuous Improvement Continuously improve legal strategies, templates, workflows, and internal processes Utilize legal technology, AI, and automation tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency Identify recurring patterns across cases that can strengthen future defense strategies Contribute ideas that improve client experience, case outcomes, and division performance What Success Looks Like During your first 90 days: You become comfortable with the firm's debt defense strategies, systems, and workflows You begin independently managing matters from appearance through resolution Your pleadings, motions, discovery, and hearings are timely, organized, and strategically purposeful Cases consistently move forward rather than remaining stagnant Clients understand what is happening, what their options are, and what comes next You communicate effectively with the attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants supporting your caseload You begin identifying opportunities to improve strategies, templates, or workflows across the division Required Qualifications Active New Mexico Bar license in good standing Minimum three years of meaningful experience handling consumer debt litigation Experience must include substantive responsibility for cases—not solely hearing coverage Debt defense experience strongly preferred; substantial plaintiff-side consumer debt litigation experience will also be considered Strong working knowledge of consumer debt litigation and applicable case law Strong understanding of the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure Experience drafting and arguing motions Experience handling written discovery and discovery disputes Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills Ability to independently evaluate cases and develop litigation strategies Ability to manage disputes through settlement, mediation, arbitration, or trial Strong client-facing communication skills Ability to effectively manage an active caseload in a remote environment The Kind of Lawyer We’re Intentionally Hiring We are screening for attorneys who demonstrate: Resourcefulness: You find answers, identify leverage, and figure out how to move difficult cases forward. Judgment: You understand that the technically available legal option is not always the best practical strategy for the client. Curiosity: You want to understand why something happened, look beyond the obvious issue, and recognize patterns across cases. Ownership: You take responsibility for deadlines, strategy, communication, and outcomes rather than waiting for someone else to move the matter forward. Decisiveness: You can evaluate imperfect information, develop a reasonable strategy, and act. Client focus: You understand that clients often come to us anxious and uncertain, and that clear communication is an important part of excellent legal representation. Adaptability: You are comfortable working in a firm that is actively adopting technology, automation, and new approaches to practicing law. How to Apply Apply now to join a growing team of legal professionals combining personal care, strong advocacy, and modern legal practice. Bernhardt Riley offers experienced attorneys substantial responsibility, professional autonomy, a collaborative remote environment, and the opportunity to help shape a growing statewide practice.
