Medical-Legal Partnership Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Medical-Legal Partnership Staff Attorney Santa Fe, NM

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, helping clients access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has locations throughout the state, including Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos.

NMLA has established a Medical-Legal Partnership with Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe and is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide legal services to patients referred by the hospital. This position is based in the Santa Fe office, reports to the Northern Managing Attorney, and includes significant on-site work at the hospital. A confidential workspace will be provided for use while at the hospital.

The Staff Attorney will manage a broad range of civil legal matters for patients referred to the Medical-Legal Partnership, with some services extending to patients' family members. This work focuses on addressing social determinants of health that have legal implications and removing legal barriers that may impact patient care or discharge.

Legal matters may include, but are not limited to, issues related to loss or denial of public benefits, housing instability, consumer debt and collections, threats to economic security, advance directives, and decisional capacity.

The Staff Attorney will support the Medical-Legal Partnership through a combination of direct legal services, collaboration, and community engagement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide legal advice and representation to patients in civil legal matters.
• Prepare for and appear in court and administrative proceedings as needed.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to identify and address legal issues impacting patient health.
• Conduct trainings and legal education for hospital staff to help identify potential legal needs.
• Assist in the preparation of reports on program activities and outcomes.
• Participate in hospital meetings, including potential board or stakeholder presentations.
• Engage in local bar and community activities to support outreach and program visibility.
• Contribute to team strategies and cross-office collaboration within NMLA.
• Other duties and casework as assigned.

Working with patients in a healthcare setting presents unique and often complex challenges. A key aspect of this role involves helping hospital staff recognize potential legal issues by asking thoughtful, informed questions.

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, and resilient, with the ability to understand the perspectives of healthcare professionals and communicate legal concepts in clear, accessible ways to non-attorneys.

NMLA is a statewide legal aid organization engaged in a wide range of creative, challenging, and complex work. We seek highly motivated candidates who are passionate about serving our client communities and committed to developing effective team strategies to support complex advocacy and extended representation.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or the ability to become licensed within six months of hire.
• Two or three years of experience as a licensed attorney preferred.
• Ability to manage a caseload and handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with computer technology, including remote communication tools, shared online workspaces, and videoconferencing platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff across multiple offices.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click here to view the salary scale).

Company Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
• 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, sick pay, and federal holidays off
• Comp time for overtime
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
• 37.5-hour work week
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Competitive salary
• Click here for more information

Salary: $63,376.18 - $100,547.39 for licensed attorneys, DOE.

Application Deadline: Until filled. Resumes reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants must submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive all of these documents. To apply, visit:

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.