Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney - Albuquerque Office

New Mexico Legal Aid; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 63,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Full-time 37.5-hour work week

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous PTO and holidays

Sabbatical program eligibility

Meaningful mission-driven work

Job summary

New Mexico Legal Aid seeks an Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney in Albuquerque to provide direct legal services to survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and related abuse. The role focuses on safety, stability, and independence through advocacy in civil matters including protection orders, custody, and family law, reporting to the Albuquerque DV/Victims Services Managing Attorney.

The attorney will manage a focused caseload, work collaboratively with partners, and engage in

Qualifications

• JD degree required.
• Licensed to practice law in New Mexico or eligibility within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated commitment to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Ability to manage a caseload and priorities effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical judgment and ability to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, brief services, and limited representation for clients.
• Interview clients, assess issues, and develop case strategies.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, and filings.
• Represent clients in court hearings and proceedings as needed.
• Conduct legal research and discovery to support cases.
• Maintain accurate case files and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues and community partners.
• Conduct community outreach and legal education to clients and providers.
• Participate in program initiatives and advocacy for low-income communities.

Skills

Communication

Independence

Travel

Trauma-informed

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

NM bar admission or eligible within 6 months

Tools

Case management systems

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney – Albuquerque Office, Albuquerque, NM

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.

NMLA seeks an Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney to provide direct legal services to survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, stalking and all forms of child abuse. This position focuses on helping clients achieve safety, stability, and independence through legal advocacy, regardless of income.

This position is located in our Albuquerque office and may require occasional travel. The position reports to the Albuquerque DV/Victims Services Managing Attorney.

The Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney will manage a focused caseload representing survivors of domestic violence under the Family Violence Protection Act; including but not limited to rape, stalking, sexual assault, physical child abuse and child sexual abuse in a range of civil legal matters. This work centers on addressing legal issues that impact client safety, housing stability, financial security, and long-term well-being.

Legal matters include, but are not limited to, domestic violence orders of protection, kinship guardianship, divorce, custody, and other related family law issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, brief services, and limited representation for 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 agency 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

This role requires a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, as well as strong judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations with care and professionalism.

NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or the ability to become licensed within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Ability to manage a caseload and handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and sound legal judgment.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Proficiency with computer technology, including remote communication tools, shared online workspaces, and case management systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in domestic violence, family law, or related areas.
• Experience working at a civil legal services provider.
• Experience working with low-income or underserved populations.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click hereto view the salary scale).

Company 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
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote each week).
• Full-time 37.5-hour work week
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions and matching
• Meaningful mission-driven work serving New Mexico communities
• Click here for more information

Salary: $63,376.18 - $100,547.39 for licensed attorneys, DOE.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.

Salary: $63376.18 - $100547.39 per year