Volunteer Attorney Program Manager- Attorney
About The Position
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is seeking a dynamic and creative leader to serve as Manager of our statewide Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP). This position requires collaboration with the Pro Bono Committees of the various Judicial Districts, the State Bar of New Mexico and the New Mexico Commission on Access to Justice. NMLA, the State Bar and the Commission on Access to Justice are committed to building and maintaining one of the most successful and innovative pro bono projects in the country. The VAP Manager will work closely with the VAP Director, practice group and rural office managers, State Bar leaders, Courts, local Judicial District pro bono committees, individual private attorneys and law firms, law school faculty and student groups, and civil legal services partner agencies throughout the state to achieve maximum potential of pro bono initiatives for providing representation and other forms of legal assistance to low-income New Mexicans. The VAP Manager will be responsible for collaborating with the overall function of the VAP, supervising 2 to 4 full-time-equivalent staff (statewide pro bono coordinator, paralegals, and community justice workers), working with project partners, Bar leaders and volunteers from throughout the state.
Requirements
- Three (3) or more years' experience as a practicing attorney
- Admission to practice in New Mexico required or ability to qualify for a limited license
- Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills
- The ability to manage multiple tasks
- Enthusiasm for building collaborative relationships within the State Bar and the statewide pro bono community
- Must be willing to travel
- Proficiency in technology such as virtual meeting platforms (Zoom and Teams), Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in administrative, supervisory, or training roles is a plus
- Prior experience working with pro bono programs or handling pro bono cases is a plus
- Proficiency in Spanish is a plus
Responsibilities
- Assisting the VAP Director in implementing NMLA and Legal Services Corporation (LSC) policies related to VAP and in monitoring compliance
- Developing and updating VAP procedures as initiatives evolve
- Identifying and implementing solutions to improve efficiency, communication, and client service
- Developing VAP training materials for volunteer attorneys, including continuing legal education (CLE) courses and print, audio, and video resource materials on legal topics needed to serve low-income New Mexicans
- Developing new high-impact pro bono projects for New Mexico's diverse client populations, particularly those living in rural areas of the state
- Acting as a liaison with other New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) practice group and rural office managers
- Drafting regular reports for NMLA, Access to Justice (ATJ) and LSC
- Developing and maintaining relationships with volunteer attorneys, providing support to them when needed
- Assisting in planning volunteer attorney appreciation events and other recognition
- Problem-solving issues that arise related to VAP, including follow-up with clients, VAP attorneys, or other people and entities
- Reviewing and assigning case referrals, helping to identify research needs, recruitment strategies, and necessary compliance documentation
- Expanding the number of pro bono attorneys willing to provide pro bono services, especially in key areas such as family law, housing and consumer law
- Assisting the Statewide Pro Bono Coordinator in organizing, recruiting volunteer attorneys for, and conducting legal clinics and events throughout New Mexico
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
- 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, liberal sick pay, and federal holidays off
- Comp time for overtime
- Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote – your choice!)
- 37.5-hour work week
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Competitive salary
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
