Staff Attorney – Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)

About the role

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 to preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has locations throughout the state, including Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos. The LITC Staff Attorney will be responsible for the successful completion and coordination of income tax controversy casework, including litigation. All cases involve federal or New Mexico income tax, including IRS audits, IRS and NMTRD administrative appeals, and U.S. Tax Court cases. Typical issues: child-based tax credits, offers in compromise, innocent spouse, tax-related identity theft and cancellation of debt income. Almost every case requires extensive representation. Based in Albuquerque, we serve all of New Mexico and are the largest and oldest LITC in the state.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, brief services, and full representation to clients in legal matters.
• Interview clients, assess legal issues, and develop case strategies aligned with applicable law and program priorities.
• Prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and other filings.
• Represent clients in court hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals as needed.
• Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and discovery to support case development.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files and documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Manage an active caseload, prioritizing urgent matters and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners, including co-counsel and community organizations.
• Conduct community outreach and legal education to clients, service providers, and community groups.
• Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts that support low-income communities.
• Participation in the ABA LITC Listserv is expected, as well as frequent monitoring of administrative, statutory and case law tax developments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees
• Generous employer contributions toward dependent coverage
• Paid time off includes annual leave (starting at 3 weeks/year), 6 days personal time, 15 holidays, sick leave, and more
• Sabbatical program eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions and matching
• Meaningful mission-driven work serving New Mexico communities

Pay

Salary: $63,376.18 - $100,547.39 for licensed attorneys, DOE. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote each week). Full-time 37.5-hour work week.