Staff Attorney – Disaster Legal Services / Generalist
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 preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA provides services throughout New Mexico through offices and programs serving communities across the state. NMLA seeks a Staff Attorney to join its Northern New Mexico team. This position will have a primary assignment to NMLA's Disaster Legal Services (DLS) Program, while also maintaining a generalist civil legal services practice serving low-income residents of Northern New Mexico. The Staff Attorney may be based in NMLA's Santa Fe, Las Vegas, or Taos office and will work collaboratively with DLS staff, Northern Offices staff, community partners, and other NMLA practice areas.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree;
- Licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or ability to become licensed within six months of hire;
- Ability to manage an active caseload and multiple priorities effectively;
- Strong written and oral communication skills;
- Strong analytical skills and sound legal judgment;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
- Ability to establish effective relationships with clients, colleagues, courts, agencies, and community partners;
- Proficiency with computer technology, including case management systems, shared online workspaces, remote communication tools, and video conferencing platforms;
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout Northern New Mexico and other areas as program needs require.
Nice To Haves
- Experience providing civil legal services;
- Experience working with low-income, rural, underserved, or disaster-impacted communities;
- Experience with disaster legal services, FEMA matters, housing, property, probate, consumer, public-benefits, or related civil legal issues;
- Experience conducting community outreach, legal education, or training;
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community organizations and service providers;
- Proficiency in Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and manage an active caseload of disaster-related civil legal matters;
- Interview clients, identify disaster-related legal issues, and develop appropriate case strategies;
- Provide advice, brief services, and direct representation to disaster survivors;
- Conduct legal research, factual investigation, document preparation, negotiations, administrative advocacy, and litigation as needed;
- Assist clients with FEMA and other disaster recovery processes when legal assistance is appropriate;
- Participate in community outreach, legal clinics, presentations, and educational events in disaster-impacted communities;
- Work collaboratively with Community Justice Workers and other DLS staff to identify emerging legal needs and connect affected communities with NMLA services;
- Develop and provide legal education and issue-spotting training for community organizations, disaster case managers, service providers, and other partners;
- Assist with the development and distribution of self-help, pro se, and community legal education materials;
- Establish and maintain relationships with courts, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, disaster recovery organizations, and other community partners;
- Participate in DLS program initiatives and special projects supporting disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery;
- Maintain accurate and timely case records and other documentation necessary to support program and grant requirements.
- Provide advice, brief services, and full representation; prepare pleadings and other legal documents; represent clients in court and administrative proceedings; conduct legal research and factual investigation; and collaborate with other NMLA attorneys and advocates as appropriate.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees
- Generous employer contributions toward dependent coverage
- Paid time off includes annual leave (starting at 3 weeks/year), 6 days personal time, 15 holidays, sick leave, and more
- Sabbatical program eligibility
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions and matching
- Meaningful mission-driven work serving New Mexico communities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
