Intake Paralegal
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is seeking a Paralegal to conduct intakes, make referrals, provide legal information to callers and assist attorneys assigned to the Intake Unit. Services will be conducted by telephone contact, but may involve occasional work with walk-in clients if necessity arises. All potential recipients of assistance will either come through the Intake Unit helpline or through online applications for assistance.
The majority of NMLA’s client applicants will be seeking help with family law cases (including domestic violence), landlord/tenant disputes, foreclosures, problems with public benefits programs, employment or wage theft problems, low-income taxpayer disputes and consumer law problems. There may also be calls involving tribal court issues, veterans issues, migrant farm worker issues, and various other civil law problems.
Work on the Intake Team is fast-paced and requires quick and confident decision-making about the best response that can be given to a client. We are looking for innovative, highly motivated candidates who are passionate about justice and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client community, including effective use of web-based systems and other technologies to deliver legal assistance.
The position may be based out of any statewide office. Paralegals with sufficient experience may provide advice under the supervision of the NMLA Director of Intake or another designated attorney. Prior experience in a legal aid program or other relevant practice environment is preferred. All candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, manage a significant caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community.
Requirements: A successful candidate would have at least an associate’s degree in paralegal studies and experience as a paralegal in a busy law office. Must be able to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, to effectively collaborate with staff located in multiple offices. Candidates also must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community served by NMLA. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Applicants may be subject to a background search. 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.
Send a current resume and a letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if you are selected for this position to: jobs@nmlegalaid.org
NMLA provides generous fringe benefits, including paid holidays, paid time off, and paid parental leave; health, life and long term and short term disability.
Salary: DOE-union pay scale, NMLA is an EEO Employer. Application Deadline: October 22, 2021, or until filled. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.