Staff Attorney

Jobtailor

Las Cruces (NM)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 95,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

NMILC seeks a licensed immigration attorney to provide direct legal representation in affirmative matters, conduct research, prepare and file documents, and appear in court and administrative proceedings in Southern New Mexico.

The role includes developing case strategies, mentoring staff, staffing clinics, building community relationships, and traveling throughout the region as needed. Fluent Spanish and strong writing skills are essential.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
Admitted to local state bar; if not admitted, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year of employment.
Proficient in Spanish.
Ability to multitask and work with urgency in a dynamic environment.
Experience with remote or hybrid work environments.

Responsibilities

Provide direct legal representation to clients in immigration matters before USCIS, immigration courts, and agencies.
Conduct legal research, develop case strategies, interview clients, and prepare filings.
Appear in court and agency proceedings.
Represent detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings before the immigration court.
Develop, staff, and sustain in‑person legal clinics serving immigrants in Southern New Mexico.
Build relationships with legal service providers, government officials, and community organizations.
Travel throughout Southern New Mexico and El Paso for clinics, meetings, and events.

Skills

Legal Representation

Case Strategy Development

Legal Research

Legal Writing

Case Management

Client Interviewing

Application Preparation

Pleading Preparation

Court Appearance

Data Entry

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Case Management Systems

Job description

• Provide direct legal representation to clients in affirmative immigration matters, removal proceedings, and related matters before USCIS, immigration courts, state courts, and administrative agencies
• Conduct legal research; develop case strategies; interview clients; prepare and file applications, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents
• Appear in court and agency proceedings
• Represent detained and non‑detained individuals in removal proceedings before the immigration court
• Place appropriate cases with contract and pro bono counsel
• Provide ongoing mentorship, training, and technical assistance as needed
• Develop, implement, and regularly staff in‑person legal clinics serving immigrants in Southern New Mexico
• Build and maintain relationships with legal and immigrant‑service providers, government officials, bar associations, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations
• Support legal training, outreach, and advocacy initiatives, including contributing subject‑matter expertise to training materials
• Participate in shared operations of NMILC’s Las Cruces office, including office coverage, greeting visitors and walk‑ins, mail handling, administrative support, staff meetings, and office events
• Work regularly in person at the Las Cruces office according to operational, staffing, and program needs
• Maintain accurate and complete case‑management data through case audits, timely data entry, and proficient use of case‑management systems
• Keep the supervisor informed of program developments, administrative needs, service‑delivery gaps, challenges, and opportunities
• Identify legal advocacy and client‑service needs with NMILC staff and community partners
• Represent NMILC at stakeholder meetings, trainings, conferences, community events, and outreach activities
• Travel throughout Southern New Mexico and the El Paso area for clinics, meetings, trainings, and events; occasional overnight travel may be required

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Admitted to local state bar; if not admitted, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year of employment
Proficient in Spanish
Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles
Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and work‑home life balance
Experience working and communicating in a remote or hybrid work environment
Ability to provide trauma‑informed and culturally competent legal assistance to crime victims/survivors
Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
Ability to collaborate with program staff and partner organizations to develop community relationships and facilitate holistic and wraparound services
Valid driver's license or reliable transportation to attend in‑person meetings, court hearings, and required events
Ability to reliably report to NMILC’s Las Cruces office regularly for office coverage, client services, and operational responsibilities

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in providing legal representation in immigration matters, including case strategy development, legal research, and client advocacy. Proficient in Spanish and committed to trauma‑informed, culturally competent legal assistance while fostering community relationships.

Hard Skills