Paralegal

NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY•Las Vegas, NM

8d•$50,523 - $63,170•Remote

About The Position

The Paralegal provides professional legal support services to the General Counsel, assisting with legal research, document preparation, records management, compliance matters, and coordination related to litigation, employment law, contracts, policy development, and regulatory requirements applicable to a New Mexico public university. This position requires discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to work with sensitive and confidential information in a unionized, public-sector environment.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Two (2) years of paralegal or legal administrative experience, preferably in a public sector, higher education, or employment/labor law setting.
Knowledge of legal terminology, document preparation, and legal research methods.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic document management systems.
Strong legal research, writing, and organizational skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex institutional environment.
Professional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
Office-based position with standard business hours; occasional evenings or extended hours may be required to meet deadlines.
Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and handle files and documents.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or a related field.
Paralegal certification from an accredited program or professional association.
Experience working in a public university, governmental agency, or unionized environment.
Familiarity with New Mexico state laws, public records requirements, and higher education regulatory frameworks.
Experience supporting employment law, labor relations, or litigation matters.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research related to higher education law, employment and labor law, public records, administrative law, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
Assist in drafting, reviewing, and proofreading legal documents, including correspondence, memoranda, contracts, policies, procedures, and reports.
Prepare document summaries, timelines, and factual chronological matters for legal matters.
Assist with the management of litigation, administrative proceedings, grievances, and claims involving the University.
Coordinate document collection, review, and production in response to litigation holds, subpoenas, public records requests, and discovery obligations.
Maintain litigation files, calendars, deadlines, and case tracking systems.
Provide support related to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), employee grievances, disciplinary actions, reductions in force, and administrative hearings.
Assist with preparation of materials for hearings, arbitrations, and internal proceedings.
Maintain confidential personnel-related legal records in compliance with applicable laws and University policies.
Assist with the intake, tracking, and management of contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
Support policy development and revision efforts by formatting, tracking revisions, and maintaining official policy records.
Coordinate with campus departments regarding legal reviews and document submissions.
Assist with compliance related to state and federal laws applicable to public universities, including IPRA (Inspection of Public Records Act), FERPA, ADA, Title IX, and other regulatory frameworks.
Maintain organized legal files and records in accordance with retention schedules and confidentiality requirements.
Assist with responses to public records requests in coordination with the General Counsel and appropriate offices.
Manage calendars, deadlines, and communications for the Office of General Counsel.
Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and materials, and take meeting notes as needed.
Serve as a professional point of contact with internal departments, external counsel, state agencies, and other stakeholders.