Staff Attorney
NMLA seeks Staff Attorney for Victims of Crime Act project in Southern New Mexico
New Mexico Legal Aid has received a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission to expand civil justice assistance to victims of crime in 12 of New Mexico's southern counties. NMLA will hire an experienced staff attorney to do outreach and provide direct civil legal services in this region. Targeted clients will include victims of human trafficking and hate crimes, abused elders, victims of federal crime, and survivors of domestic violence and other forms of interpersonal violence. Clients will be assisted with protection orders and with a range of other legal issues arising from their victim status so that they may lead safer, more financially secure lives. Project partner NM Victims' Rights Project will assist with outreach, train staff and referring agencies, and provide direct victim advocacy. Outreach efforts will include collaboration with law enforcement, prosecutors, and health professionals where victims often first seek help.
The Staff Attorney will also be active in local bar and community activities. The work will include participating in community education and outreach to eligible clients, and recruitment of and collaboration with pro bono attorneys.
Ideally, the successful applicant will work from the NMLA Las Cruces Office, but candidates living in Albuquerque or other southern cities where NMLA is located may be considered. The NMLA office in Las Cruces handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about justice and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities, including development of effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.
Salary: DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer.
Application Deadline: Open until filled. Please submit application materials immediately.
Requirements: At least three years’ experience as a licensed attorney preferred but will consider exceptionally well qualified entry level candidates. Must be licensed in New Mexico, or eligible for licensing by reciprocity, limited legal aid providers licensing, or by sitting for the next available New Mexico bar examination. Must be willing to travel. 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 and co-counsel with staff located in multiple offices. Candidates also must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, manage a caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus. NMLA may require a background check.
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