Paralegal - Native American Program

New Mexico Legal Aid Inc • Bernalillo, NM

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including housing, landlord-tenant, domestic violence, family law, consumer protection, disaster relief, and public benefits. NMLA's Native American Program (NAP) provides free legal services - both civil and criminal - to eligible low-income Native Americans living on or near the 19 Pueblos and the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico. In addition to cases promoting family and economic stability, NAP prioritizes cases arising because of someone's status as a Native American, including tribal and Indian law, estate planning involving tribal property, racial discrimination, and tribal criminal court cases. Much of NAP's caseload is comprised of cases in Pueblo courts, but the program handles poverty law issues coming up in other fora as well. NMLA seeks a Paralegal for the Native American Program (NAP). The position reports to the NAP Director and will be based in the Santa Ana Pueblo office and may require travel. The position is part of a collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

• At least three years' experience as a Paralegal is preferred, but exceptionally well-qualified entry-level candidates will be considered
• Must be able to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including web meeting and videoconferencing software
• Familiar with electronic document tracking and Microsoft products
• Ability to maintain confidential client information
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks
• Have skills to build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community served by NMLA-NAP
• Able to communicate successfully and respectfully with clients

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual is a plus for any of the Pueblo Languages (e.g., Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, and Zuni)
• Paralegal experience working in a non-profit public service agency
• Tribally enrolled members are strongly encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Process intakes
• Contact clients
• Send referrals to other support service agencies
• Draft pleadings and letters, including basic legal research
• Calendar all hearings and scheduled events, file management support for NAP casework
• Support attorneys
• Create litigation support materials, e.g. discovery requests and responses, trial notebooks, etc.
• Engage in outreach and participate in community education presentations
• Draft wills and POAs as part of community workshops under supervision of an attorney
• Support community legal workshops as a notary, when applicable
• Conduct applicant intakes
• Collect client data
• Provide litigation support

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed