Native American Program Attorney — Hybrid Work

New Mexico Legal Aid; Santa Ana Pueblo (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

403(b) Retirement Plan

Competitive salary

Job summary

New Mexico Legal Aid seeks a Native American Program Staff Attorney in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, to provide civil and criminal legal services to eligible Native Americans on and near the Pueblos and Mescalero Apache tribe. The attorney will handle full representation, guardian ad litem duties, and community outreach, with statewide travel.

The role operates under a union contract with a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a hybrid in-office/remote schedule.

Qualifications

• Understanding of tribal law and federal and state Indian law, particularly in areas handled by NAP case workers, including court procedures.
• Experience - lived or professional - in low-income Native communities, preferably Pueblo communities.
• Experience as an attorney, including experience in tribal courts, on matters concerning the unique status of Native persons.
• Admission to practice in New Mexico required; or ability to become licensed to practice in New Mexico within three months of hire and admission to practice in another state's jurisdiction.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team, including adjusting communication for a variety of cultural backgrounds and learning styles.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, to effectively work with staff located in multiple offices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, manage a caseload, and build collaborative relationships across different NMLA offices.
• Bilingual is a plus for any of the Pueblo Languages (e.g., Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, and Zuni)

Responsibilities

• Provides legal services, from full representation to brief services, and/or advice and counsel.
• Provides criminal defense representation to eligible clients within NAP's priorities.
• Serve as Guardian ad Litem as appointed.
• Participates in NAP's outreach activities, which include developing community education presentations and pro se materials responsive to the needs of NAP's client community members, meeting with tribal agency personnel regarding the legal issues of their communities, and staffing occasional NAP legal clinics.
• Analyzes NAP applicants' needs to highlight areas where systemic solutions or more dedicated focus would prove valuable.
• Analyzes jurisdictional issues and due process issues under the Indian Civil Rights Act.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tribal law knowledge

Experience in tribal courts

Communication skills (oral/written)

Team collaboration

Bilingual (Pueblo languages)

Job description

New Mexico Legal Aid seeks a Native American Program Staff Attorney in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, to provide civil and criminal legal services to eligible Native Americans on and near the Pueblos and Mescalero Apache tribe. The attorney will handle full representation, guardian ad litem duties, and community outreach, with statewide travel.

The role operates under a union contract with a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a hybrid in-office/remote schedule.