Paralegal - Native American Program

New Mexico Legal Aid•Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans across various legal issues including housing, landlord-tenant, domestic violence, family law, consumer protection, disaster relief, and public benefits. NMLA operates in multiple locations throughout the state. NMLA's Native American Program (NAP) offers free civil and criminal legal services to eligible low-income Native Americans residing on or near the 19 Pueblos and the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico. NAP's caseload primarily involves cases in Pueblo courts, but also addresses poverty law issues in other forums. The program prioritizes cases related to Native American status, including tribal and Indian law, estate planning for tribal property, racial discrimination, and tribal criminal court cases, in addition to promoting family and economic stability. NMLA is seeking a Paralegal for the Native American Program (NAP). This position reports to the NAP Director, will be based in the Santa Ana Pueblo office, and may involve travel.

Requirements

Ability to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including web meeting and videoconferencing software
Familiarity 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
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

At least three years' experience as a Paralegal is preferred
Bilingual in any of the Pueblo Languages (e.g., Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, and Zuni) is a plus
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
Provide 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