Native American Program Staff Attorney

About the role

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans, focusing on promoting family and economic stability and preserving unique cultural heritages. NMLA's Native American Program (NAP) offers free legal services to eligible low-income Native Americans, prioritizing cases related to tribal and Indian law, estate planning involving tribal property, racial discrimination, and tribal criminal court cases.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal services, from advice to full representation, to eligible clients within NAP's priorities.
• Participates in NAP's outreach activities, including developing community education presentations and pro se materials, meeting with tribal agency personnel, and staffing legal clinics.
• Analyzes NAP applicants' needs to highlight areas where systemic solutions or more dedicated focus would prove valuable.

Requirements

• Understanding of tribal law and federal and state Indian law, particularly in areas handled by NAP case workers, including court procedures;
• Experience - lived or professional - in low-income Native communities, preferably Pueblo communities, is preferred;
• Experience as an attorney, including experience in tribal courts, on matters concerning the unique status of Native persons;
• Admission to practice in New Mexico required; or ability to become licensed to practice in New Mexico within three months of hire and admission to practice in another state's jurisdiction;
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team, including adjusting communication for a variety of cultural backgrounds and learning styles;
• Ability to take initiative to identify questions or barriers faced in their work, design and propose solutions, and proactively communicate with colleagues and supervisors who are working out of different offices;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including shared online workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, to effectively work with staff located in multiple offices;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, build a caseload, and manage a caseload.

Qualifications

• Bilingual is a plus for any of the Pueblo Languages (e.g., Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, and Zuni)

Skills

• Strong commitment to serving Native American communities
• Effective team player with diverse cultural backgrounds
• Proactive problem solver with initiative
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient in using computer technology and remote communications systems
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and build collaborative relationships across different NMLA offices

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

Pay and Schedule

Salary: $63,376.18 - $100,547.39 for licensed attorneys, DOE. Schedule: Part-time, 37.5 hours per week, hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote).