Staff Attorney, Public Lands & Environmental Policy

New Mexico Wild; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Wild seeks a Staff Attorney to defend wilderness, public lands, waters, and wildlife through law and policy. You will draft comments, petitions, and briefs, track agency actions, and advise leadership on legal risk.

The role blends legal work with outreach and fundraising support, coordinating with science, organizing, and communications staff. 70+% linked to legal and policy tasks, with opportunities to engage in litigation and advocacy across NM.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school required.
• Active NM bar membership or ability to gain NM admission within 12 months.
• At least 3 years of legal experience; exceptional candidates considered.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze federal/state actions affecting public lands, waters, wildlife.
• Draft NEPA comments, protests, objections, and petitions for rulemaking.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs; coordinate with counsel.
• Draft FOIA/NM Inspection of Public Records Act requests and appeals.
• Represent NM Wild in coalitions and advise on legal risks and opportunities.

Skills

Legal research

Policy analysis

Oral advocacy

Comment drafting

Coalition building

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

New Mexico Wild seeks a Staff Attorney to defend wilderness, public lands, waters, and wildlife through law and policy. You will draft comments, petitions, and briefs, track agency actions, and advise leadership on legal risk.

The role blends legal work with outreach and fundraising support, coordinating with science, organizing, and communications staff. 70+% linked to legal and policy tasks, with opportunities to engage in litigation and advocacy across NM.