Native American Program Staff Attorney (Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office

3 weeks vacation

6 days personal time

Sick pay and federal holidays off

403(b) Retirement Plan

Job summary

New Mexico Legal Aid is seeking a Native American Program Staff Attorney for Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. The role focuses on providing free civil and criminal legal services to eligible Native Americans, with emphasis on tribal and Indian law matters and collaboration across NM offices.

The attorney will handle full representation, provide outreach, and work with tribal agencies. NM license or eligibility within 3 months is required; willingness to travel statewide is expected.

Qualifications

• Understanding of tribal law and federal and state Indian law, particularly in areas handled by NAP case workers; familiarity with tribal 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 Native status.
• Admission to practice in New Mexico required; or ability to become licensed within three months and admission to practice in another state's jurisdiction.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team and communicate across cultures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; proficient with remote work tools.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal services from full representation to advisory services; may include crisis/criminal defense.
• Represents clients in line with NAP priorities, including tribal and Indian law matters.
• Serve as Guardian ad Litem as appointed.
• Participate in outreach, develop community educational materials, and staff NAP legal clinics.
• Evaluate applicants' needs to identify systemic gaps and propose solutions.
• Assess jurisdictional and due process issues under the Indian Civil Rights Act.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tribal law knowledge

Experience in tribal courts

Written and oral communication

Team collaboration

Cultural sensitivity

Bilingual (Pueblo languages) optional

Education

Bar admission in NM or eligible within 3 months

Law degree (J.D.)

Job description

New Mexico Legal Aid is seeking a Native American Program Staff Attorney for Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. The role focuses on providing free civil and criminal legal services to eligible Native Americans, with emphasis on tribal and Indian law matters and collaboration across NM offices.

The attorney will handle full representation, provide outreach, and work with tribal agencies. NM license or eligibility within 3 months is required; willingness to travel statewide is expected.