Native American Program Attorney — Hybrid (New Mexico)

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Bernalillo (NM); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

3 weeks vacation time

6 days personal time

401(k)/403(b) retirement plan

Employer-paid medical, dental, and vis

Job summary

New Mexico Legal Aid (NAP) seeks a Native American Program Staff Attorney in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM to provide civil and criminal legal services to eligible Native Americans living on or near the Pueblos and Mescalero Apache tribe. The attorney will represent clients, engage in outreach, and work across NM offices to advance family and economic stability.

Applicants should have knowledge of tribal and Indian law, experience with Native communities, strong communication skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Understanding of tribal and federal Indian law relevant to NAP cases.
• Licensed to practice in New Mexico or able to obtain within three months of hire.
• Experience serving Native communities and working in tribal contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services from full representation to brief services or advisory counseling.
• Provide criminal defense representation within NAP priorities.
• Serve as Guardian ad Litem as appointed.
• Engage in outreach activities: community education and pro se materials.
• Assess applicants' needs to identify systemic solutions or focused advocacy.
• Analyze jurisdictional and due process issues under Indian Civil Rights Act.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tribal law knowledge

Oral communication

Written communication

Caseload management

Bilingual (Pueblo languages)

Tools

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

New Mexico Legal Aid (NAP) seeks a Native American Program Staff Attorney in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM to provide civil and criminal legal services to eligible Native Americans living on or near the Pueblos and Mescalero Apache tribe. The attorney will represent clients, engage in outreach, and work across NM offices to advance family and economic stability.

Applicants should have knowledge of tribal and Indian law, experience with Native communities, strong communication skills, and the ability to