Staff Attorney – Gallup
About The Position
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, help clients access food, shelter, and security, and preserve their unique cultural heritages. The Staff Attorney is part of NMLA’s community lawyering model and handles civil legal matters and related outreach responsive to community needs. The position is based in the Gallup office and reports to the Gallup Managing Attorney. The attorney provides legal advice, brief services, and full representation through direct representation, legal advocacy, and community engagement. This generalist role may involve family law—including domestic violence protection orders, custody, kinship guardianship, and divorce—with approximately 35% of assigned casework in domestic violence; housing matters; consumer protection; and public benefits. Case types and priorities may shift based on client and community needs. The role advances access to justice by addressing legal barriers affecting low-income New Mexicans. NMLA describes its environment as collaborative and offers support for less experienced attorneys, with a wide range of creative, challenging, and complex work. The position is part of a union-negotiated collective bargaining agreement. Salary is based on years of experience and the union scale.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or able 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 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 a 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, prioritize urgent matters, and meet 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 for clients, service providers, and community groups.
- Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts supporting low-income communities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid BCBS medical insurance for employees, with generous contributions for dependents.
- Dental and vision coverage for employees.
- Three weeks of vacation time.
- Six days of personal time.
- Sick pay.
- Federal holidays off.
- Comp time for overtime.
- Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in office and 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
Ph.D. or professional degree
