Paralegal – VOCA, LAV, KG
About The Position
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. This position will be housed in the NMLA Albuquerque, New Mexico office. New Mexico Legal Aid seeks a Paralegal to provide legal assistance to clients who qualify for services under the following projects: the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) and the CYFD Kinship Guardianship Grant. All three projects offer services for clients located statewide. The VOCA Project represents victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, and stalking. The Legal Assistance for Victims project provides legal assistance to members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced discrimination and/or violence because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The Kinship Guardianship project provides kinship caregivers access to qualified, support and trauma informed legal services in the form of advice and counsel or representation. Under the supervision of the Victim's Services Managing Attorney, the Paralegal will provide litigation support to assist victims' rights attorneys and will assist victims.
Requirements
- Experience as a Paralegal is preferred but will consider exceptionally well-qualified entry-level candidates.
- Experience as a victim advocate and/or victim advocate certification strongly preferred.
- Highly organized
- Familiar with electronic document tracking and must be able to effectively use computer technology, including Microsoft products and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, and to collaborate with staff located in multiple offices.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Skills to build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community served by NMLA.
- Willing to travel.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Processing applications from clients for legal services.
- General support to attorneys in preparation for court.
- Litigation support
- Drafting pleadings, correspondence and preparation of other written materials.
- Communicating successfully and respectfully with clients.
- Sending referrals to other support service agencies.
- Engaging in outreach activities in the community.
- Assisting attorneys with training to about victims' rights and legal process.
- Collecting and maintaining client information in a database.
- Attend court with clients.
- Assist clients with obtaining financial aid from state agencies for domestic abuse.
- Monitor cases for victim's rights violations requiring attorney involvement.
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).
- 37.5-hour work week
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
