Staff Attorney - Native American Program

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's Native American Program (NAP) offers free legal services—both civil and criminal—to eligible low-income Native Americans living on or near the 19 Pueblos and the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico. NAP prioritizes cases arising from clients' status as Native Americans, including tribal and Indian law, estate planning involving tribal property, racial discrimination, and tribal criminal court cases.

About the role

The Native American Program Staff Attorney will handle a diverse caseload, primarily in Pueblo courts, and engage in creative, challenging advocacy within Native American communities. This position is based in NAP's office on Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, and includes regular travel around the state. All NMLA staff attorney positions fall under a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal services, from full representation to brief services, advice, and counsel.
• Offers criminal defense representation to eligible clients within NAP's priorities.
• Serves as Guardian ad Litem as appointed.
• Participates in NAP's outreach activities, including developing community education presentations, pro se materials, and staffing legal clinics.
• Meets with tribal agency personnel to address legal issues in their communities.
• Analyzes NAP applicants' needs to identify areas for systemic solutions or increased focus.
• Analyzes jurisdictional and due process issues under the Indian Civil Rights Act.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Understanding of tribal law and federal and state Indian law, particularly in areas handled by NAP.
• Experience—lived or professional—in low-income Native communities, preferably Pueblo communities, is preferred.
• Experience as an attorney, including in tribal courts, on matters concerning the unique status of Native persons.
• Admission to practice in New Mexico required; or ability to become licensed within three months of hire and admission to practice in another state.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team, adjusting communication for various cultural backgrounds and learning styles.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying barriers, proposing solutions, and communicating proactively with colleagues across offices.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer technology, remote communications systems, and online collaboration tools.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, a caseload, and build collaborative relationships across NMLA offices.
• Bilingual ability in Pueblo languages (e.g., Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, and Zuni) is a plus.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, 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).
• 37.5-hour work week.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan.

Pay

Salary range: $63,376.18 - $100,547.39 for licensed attorneys, dependent on experience. This role may be eligible for a $3,000/year geographic incentive and/or a $3,000/year bilingual incentive.