Remote Staff Attorney

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. Staff Attorneys are part of the community lawyering model and are responsible for handling civil legal matters and outreach related thereto in areas that are responsive to community needs. As such, the Staff Attorney will be expected to maintain a case load that may include (but is not limited to) the following:

Family law: domestic violence orders of protection, custody, kinship-guardianship, and divorce (Please note that approximately 35% of assigned casework will be in domestic violence);

Housing: eviction defense; and prevention of housing subsidy terminations before Federal or State entities;

banking regulatory laws as they related to consumer accounts; auto sales and lending; and deceptive commercial practices;

Public Benefits: social security disability overpayment cases; This position is located in our Gallup office and reports to the Gallup Managing Attorney.

Provide legal advice, brief services, and full representation to clients in legal matters.

Interview clients, assess legal issues, and develop case strategies aligned with applicable law and program priorities.

Prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and other filings.

Represent clients in court hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals as needed.

Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and discovery to support case development.

Manage an active caseload, prioritizing urgent matters and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners, including co-counsel and community organizations.

Conduct community outreach and legal education to clients, service providers, and community groups.

Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts that support low-income communities.

Working in a generalist role requires adaptability and sound judgment, as case types and priorities may shift based on client and community needs. This position plays a key role in advancing access to justice by addressing legal barriers that impact the day-to-day lives of low-income New Mexicans.

NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.

Licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or the ability to become licensed within 6 months of hire.

Strong analytical skills and sound legal judgment.

Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.

Proficiency with computer technology, including remote communication tools, shared online workspaces, and case management systems.

Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Experience working at civil legal services provider.

Proficiency in Spanish.

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).

100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, plus sick pay, and federal holidays off

Comp time for overtime

Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

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

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