Efren Cortez, a native of Hobbs, New Mexico, and a graduate of Hobbs High School, Eastern New Mexico University (B.S.) and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School (JD) is the new City Attorney for the City of Hobbs.
With roots in the community, Mr. Cortez has dedicated his professional endeavors, as well as personal time, to improving the community of Hobbs and Lea County. Mr. Cortez holds law licensure from the State Bar of New Mexico and the U.S. District Court District of New Mexico. In servant leadership opportunities, Mr. Cortez has served on several boards, such as the Guidance Center of Lea County, Inc. Juvenile Panel, Teen Court of Lea County, Inc., Lea County Juvenile Justice Continuum and has participated as a volunteer youth football coach for the Hobbs Youth Football League.
With a diverse and experienced history of community service, Mr. Cortez has also committed to continued education by receiving certification from the Force Science Institute, Leading Educating And Developing (LEAD) and the Dale Carnegie Course: Skills for Success.
Mr. Cortez originally began employment with the City of Hobbs as a Staff Attorney in January 2013. In that capacity, he also prosecuted felony narcotics cases as a Special Assistant District Attorney for the Fifth Judicial District Attorney's Office. Mr. Cortez was promoted to Assistant City Attorney in 2015 and later promoted to Deputy City Attorney in 2017. With over five years of experience in the City of Hobbs Legal Department, Mr. Cortez is extremely well-acquainted with State and Federal Law, the Hobbs Municipal Code and various rules of procedure. Having taken numerous opportunities to create, alter and discuss City of Hobbs policies, contracts and agreements, Mr. Cortez is also well acquainted with the staff of the City of Hobbs organization.
Mr. Cortez stated, "I'm humbled and honored by this tremendous opportunity. I'm a hometown product, and I'm proud to represent the City of Hobbs as its legal counsel. I have had the great fortune to have been mentored by many attorneys in Lea County and across the United States, including my father, Ruben S. Cortez, as well as former City Attorney, the Honorable Michael H. Stone. My knowledge of the law has been enhanced by what others have been willing to impart on me.
"I look forward to my continued zealous representation of the City of Hobbs. My goals for the City Attorney's Office are rather simple but will form a firm foundation moving forward: To create a culture of adherence to the strictest standards of ethics; and to foster an atmosphere where laws are formulated and enforced equally, with respect and dignity for ALL people. I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to honor and thank Acting City Manager Manny Gomez and the current City Commission, as well as the former commissioners and city manager whom I have had the pleasure of working with since 2013."
Acting City Manager Manny Gomez stated, "Efren Cortez's familiarity with the activities of the organization and the legal law of the state and county will serve him well in his new position. He has already performed as an outstanding legal advocate for the City of Hobbs, and the leadership team of the City of Hobbs is happy to have him as a new member. We are looking forward to the improvement and perspective Mr. Cortez will bring to the City of Hobbs as City Attorney."
