Staff Attorney (General Practice and Veterans Work)
New Mexico Legal Aid seeks a Staff Attorney to serve low-income clients and US Armed Services veterans. The position is based in Albuquerque, but may involve work throughout New Mexico.
The Staff Attorney will handle a wide range of cases for low-income households on general poverty law issues like housing, family law issues, consumer issues and VA benefits.
The work will include advising clients and helping them prepare paperwork; representing clients in court and in administrative proceedings; conducting community education and outreach to eligible clients, to veterans support organizations and the Veterans Administration; and recruiting and collaborating with pro bono attorneys. The Staff Attorney must obtain and maintain accreditation to appear before the Veterans Administration on VA cases. The Staff Attorney will be active in local bar and community activities.
Handling veterans' cases can be especially challenging. Veterans historically are a vulnerable and disenfranchised group with unmet legal needs. In addition, administrative proceedings with the VA can be especially slow and tedious. Candidates must therefore be compassionate, patient, determined and resilient.
The NMLA office in Albuquerque handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about 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.
This position is partially grant-funded, and continued employment is dependent on continued funding.
For information on NMLA's generous benefits, leave and holiday policies and salary scales click here.
Requirements: Two years' experience as a licensed attorney preferred. Admission to practice before the VA preferred, but must be expeditiously obtained after hire if not admitted at time of hire. 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.
Applicants may 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.
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 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
Salary: DOE - union scale, excellent benefits, NMLA is an EEO Employer. Application Deadline: March 31, 2022 or until position filled.