Staff Attorney – Gallup

New Mexico Legal Aid Inc • Gallup, NM

21h • Hybrid

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.

Staff Attorneys are part of the community lawyering model and are responsible for handling civil legal matters and outreach related thereto in areas that are responsive to community needs. As such, the Staff Attorney will be expected to maintain a case load that may include (but is not limited to) the following:
Family law: domestic violence orders of protection, custody, kinship-guardianship, and divorce (Please note that approximately 35% of assigned casework will be in domestic violence);
Housing: eviction defense; mobile home sales and rental issues under the Mobile Home Park Act; and prevention of housing subsidy terminations before Federal or State entities;
Consumer Protection: predatory lending; banking regulatory laws as they related to consumer accounts; auto sales and lending; and deceptive commercial practices;
Public Benefits: social security disability overpayment cases; Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF access issues; SSI denials and benefit amount issues.

This position is located in our Gallup office and reports to the Gallup Managing Attorney.

The Staff Attorney will provide services through a combination of direct representation, legal advocacy, and community engagement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Provide legal advice, brief services, and full representation to clients in legal matters.
Interview clients, assess legal issues, and develop case strategies aligned with applicable law and program priorities.
Prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and other filings.
Represent clients in court hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals as needed.
Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and discovery to support case development.
Maintain accurate and timely case files and documentation in accordance with program requirements.
Manage an active caseload, prioritizing urgent matters and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners, including co-counsel and community organizations.
Conduct community outreach and legal education to clients, service providers, and community groups.
Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts that support low-income communities.
Other duties as assigned.

Working in a generalist role requires adaptability and sound judgment, as case types and priorities may shift based on client and community needs. This position plays a key role in advancing access to justice by addressing legal barriers that impact the day-to-day lives of low-income New Mexicans.

NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or the ability to become licensed within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to manage a caseload and handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and sound legal judgment.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Proficiency with computer technology, including remote communication tools, shared online workspaces, and case management systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working at civil legal services provider.
• Experience working with low-income or underserved populations.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, brief services, and full representation to clients in legal matters.
• Interview clients, assess legal issues, and develop case strategies aligned with applicable law and program priorities.
• Prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and other filings.
• Represent clients in court hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals as needed.
• Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and discovery to support case development.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files and documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Manage an active caseload, prioritizing urgent matters and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners, including co-counsel and community organizations.
• Conduct community outreach and legal education to clients, service providers, and community groups.
• Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts that support low-income communities.
• Other duties as assigned.

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
• Comp time for overtime
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
• 37.5-hour work week
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree