New Mexico Legal Aid seeks an experienced attorney with at least 10 years of experience working in Pueblo Indian or other tribal communities to lead our statewide Native American Program. The Native American Program provides free legal services to low-income people living on or near 19 Pueblo Indian communities in New Mexico, plus outreach services to the Mescalero Apache community. The Managing Attorney should have experience in supervising legal advocacy and cases in Federal, State and Tribal Court. Candidates must be an NM licensed attorney with at least 5 years of litigation experience, preferably including poverty law issues in Tribal and Federal Indian law cases.
The Managing Attorney will supervise attorneys, paralegals and other staff and volunteers, handle administrative duties, and work in close collaboration with other members of NMLA’s management team. The Managing Attorney also will handle cases as sole counsel or co-counsel. The Managing Attorney will be active in local bar and community activities, and will participate in community education and outreach to eligible clients.
The Native American Program handles creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities, including development of effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.
Excellent communication, writing and analytical skills, and sensitivity to and ability to work with diverse low-income populations. Self-motivated individuals with strong inter-personal and managerial skills are encouraged to apply. Candidates also must possess the ability to manage multiple tasks, manage a caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community. Proficiency in Keres or other relevant Native American language is a plus.
Minimum three years as licensed attorney; prior experience in administrative and supervisory roles preferred. Must be willing to travel. Candidates also must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community.
Send a resume and letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if you are selected for this position to: [email protected]