Volunteer Attorney Program Manager- Attorney

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana Pueblo.

About the role

New Mexico Legal Aid is seeking a dynamic and creative leader to serve as Manager of our statewide Volunteer Attorney Program ("VAP"). This position requires collaboration with the Pro Bono Committees of the various Judicial Districts, the State Bar of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Commission on Access to Justice. The VAP Manager will work closely with the VAP Director, practice group and rural office managers, State Bar leaders, Courts, local Judicial District pro bono committees, individual private attorneys and law firms, law school faculty and student groups, and civil legal services partner agencies throughout the state to achieve maximum potential of pro bono initiatives for providing representation and other forms of legal assistance to low-income New Mexicans.

The position will be located in Las Cruces or Albuquerque but will require periodic travel around the State.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the overall function of the VAP, supervising 2 to 4 full-time-equivalent staff (statewide pro bono coordinator, paralegals, and community justice workers), working with project partners, Bar leaders, and volunteers from throughout the state.
• Assist the VAP Director in:
  • Implementing NMLA and Legal Services Corporation (LSC) policies related to VAP and monitoring compliance.
  • Developing and updating VAP procedures as initiatives evolve.
  • Identifying and implementing solutions to improve efficiency, communication, and client service.
  • Developing VAP training materials for volunteer attorneys, including continuing legal education (CLE) courses and print, audio, and video resource materials on legal topics needed to serve low-income New Mexicans.
  • Developing new high-impact pro bono projects for New Mexico's diverse client populations, particularly those living in rural areas of the state.
• Act as a liaison with other New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) practice group and rural office managers.
• Draft regular reports for NMLA, Access to Justice (ATJ), and LSC.
• Develop and maintain relationships with volunteer attorneys, providing support to them when needed.
• Assist in planning volunteer attorney appreciation events and other recognition.
• Problem-solve issues that arise related to VAP, including follow-up with clients, VAP attorneys, or other people and entities.
• Review and assign case referrals, help identify research needs, recruitment strategies, and necessary compliance documentation.
• Expand the number of pro bono attorneys willing to provide pro bono services, especially in key areas such as family law, housing, and consumer law.
• Assist the Statewide Pro Bono Coordinator in organizing, recruiting volunteer attorneys for, and conducting legal clinics and events throughout New Mexico.

Requirements

• Three (3) or more years' experience as a practicing attorney.
• Admission to practice in New Mexico required or ability to qualify for a limited license.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Enthusiasm for building collaborative relationships within the State Bar and the statewide pro bono community.
• Willingness to travel.
• Proficiency in technology such as virtual meeting platforms (Zoom and Teams), Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Prior experience in administrative, supervisory, or training roles is a plus.
• Prior experience working with pro bono programs or handling pro bono cases is a plus.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

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.

Pay

Competitive salary: $86,100 - $104,581, DOE.