Paralegal – VOCA, LAV, KG

Position Description

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, helping clients access food, shelter, security, and preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has offices in Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos. This position is based in the NMLA Albuquerque office.

About the Role

The Paralegal will provide legal assistance to clients who qualify for services under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV), and the CYFD Kinship Guardianship Grant. These projects offer services statewide, focusing on domestic violence, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and kinship guardianship.

Responsibilities

• Processing applications from clients for legal services.
• General support to attorneys in preparation for court.
• Litigation support: drafting pleadings, correspondence, and preparing other written materials.
• Communicating with clients in a respectful manner.
• Sending referrals to other support service agencies.
• Engaging in outreach activities in the community.
• Aiding attorneys in training about victims' rights and legal processes.
• Collecting and maintaining client information in a database.
• Might be required to attend court with clients, assist with obtaining financial aid, and monitor cases for potential violations.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

• Experience in legal settings, preferably in a non-profit setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience.

Skills

The following skills are preferred:

• Experience with legal research and document preparation.
• Knowledge of domestic violence and LGBTQ+ issues.
• Experience with kinship guardianship.

Benefits

NMLA offers comprehensive benefits, including:

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous 403(b) retirement plan contributions.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote).
• 37.5-hour work week.
• 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, plus sick pay and federal holidays off.

To learn more about NMLA's benefits and what it's like to work there, click here.