ECHO Coordinator (Volunteer Attorney Program)
New Mexico Legal Aid seeks an ECHO Coordinator for NMLA’s Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP).
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state.
The Project Coordinator will work closely with the VAP Director to expand pro bono services to low-income New Mexicans in rural counties using the Project ECHO model. As the first ECHO program for legal services, the project represents an exciting opportunity and could serve as a national model for pro bono programs. NMLA is committed to building one of the most successful and innovative pro bono programs in the country.
The Coordinator will work with NMLA’s VAP Director and Director of Grants Administration, along with staff from New Mexico’s 13 judicial districts, to determine the areas of greatest need. The Coordinator will also draw on data from the most recent statewide needs assessment and information provided by court staff, along with statewide surveys sent to pro bono attorneys and community partners to design and implement the project.
In collaboration with the VAP team, the Coordinator will promote the project and will plan and facilitate Project ECHO sessions, which will include a CLE for a legal topic identified as an area of need and case presentations from volunteer attorneys.
The Statewide Project ECHO Coordinator will meet with judges involved in the Rural Justice Initiative, as well as the pro bono committees from the primarily rural judicial districts. They will work closely with the VAP Director to recruit pro bono attorneys willing to assist in the rural judicial districts. The Project ECHO Coordinator will:
- Conduct outreach to attorneys who are willing to help NMLA in providing services and recruiting and training attorneys for the ECHO Civil Legal Services Program;
- Identify and offer trainings and CLEs designed to increase the number of attorneys willing to accept cases in rural New Mexico;
- Attend at least one Project ECHO Immersion training module and work closely with the Project ECHO community to increase legal assistance to low-income New Mexicans, especially those in rural areas.
NMLA employees enjoy:
- Being unionized
- A great work environment
- Great benefits including generous leave
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Telework option may be available
The position is part of by a collective bargaining agreement. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale; click here to view the salary scale. NMLA provides comprehensive benefits, holiday and leave packages. For information about NMLA's generous benefits, and what it is like to work at NMLA click here
We seek highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA and our statewide pro bono partners better serve our client community.
Three or more years’ experience as a practicing attorney. Licensed in New Mexico or licensed in any other state and eligible for New Mexico legal aid providers limited licensing or for admission by reciprocity. Must be able to use computer technology effectively and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, and to effectively collaborate with staff located in multiple offices. Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and enthusiasm for building collaborative relationships with the State Bar and its membership as well with the pro bono community statewide. Must be willing to travel. Proficiency in Spanish, experience with Zoom and prior experience working with pro bono programs or handling pro bono cases are a plus.
Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.
Provide a current resume, three references, and a letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if selected for this position by clicking here to apply.
Salary: DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer. Application Deadline: 12/20/2022 or until filled. Resumes reviewed on a rolling basis.