Volunteer Attorney Program Manager

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 86,100 - 104,581; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule (3 in office/2 at

Hybrid work schedule

3 weeks vacation

6 days personal time

Sick leave and holidays

403(b) Retirement Plan

Job summary

National Legal Aid & Defender Association is seeking a dynamic Volunteer Attorney Program Manager to oversee the statewide Volunteer Attorney Program across New Mexico, with locations in Las Cruces or Albuquerque and periodic statewide travel.

The role collaborates with VAP Director, State Bar, and ATJ to expand pro bono services, develop training, and improve client service for low-income communities. Hybrid work with in-state travel is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist the VAP Director in implementing policies and monitoring compliance.
• Develop and update VAP procedures as initiatives evolve.
• Identify and implement solutions to improve efficiency, communication, and client service.
• Develop training materials for volunteer attorneys, including CLEs and resources.
• Develop high-impact pro bono projects for diverse NM communities, rural focus.
• Liaise with practice groups and rural office managers statewide.
• Draft regular reports for NMLA, ATJ, and LSC.
• Foster relationships with volunteer attorneys and provide needed support.
• Plan volunteer attorney appreciation events and recognition.
• Review referrals and assist with recruitment and compliance documentation.
• Support expansion of pro bono services in family law, housing, and consumer law.
• Assist in organizing legal clinics and events across New Mexico.

Job description

Position Description
Volunteer Attorney Program Manager
Las Cruces or Albuquerque

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana Pueblo.

New Mexico Legal Aid is seeking a dynamic and creative leader to serve as Manager of our statewide Volunteer Attorney Program (“VAP”). This position requires collaboration with the Pro Bono Committees of the various Judicial Districts, the State Bar of New Mexico and the New Mexico Commission on Access to Justice.

NMLA, the State Bar and the Commission on Access to Justice are committed to building and maintaining one of the most successful and innovative pro bono projects in the country. The VAP Manager will work closely with the VAP Director, practice group and rural office managers, State Bar leaders, Courts, local Judicial District pro bono committees, individual private attorneys and law firms, law school faculty and student groups, and civil legal services partner agencies throughout the state to achieve maximum potential of pro bono initiatives for providing representation and other forms of legal assistance to low-income New Mexicans.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the VAP Director in:
• implementing NMLA and Legal Services Corporation (LSC) policies related to VAP and in monitoring compliance
• developing and updating VAP procedures as initiatives evolve
• identifying and implementing solutions to improve efficiency, communication, and client service
• developing VAP training materials for volunteer attorneys, including continuing legal education (CLE) courses and print, audio, and video resource materials on legal topics needed to serve low-income New Mexicans
• developing new high-impact pro bono projects for New Mexico’s diverse client populations, particularly those living in rural areas of the state
• Acting as a liaison with other New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) practice group and rural office managers
• Drafting regular reports for NMLA, Access to Justice (ATJ) and LSC
• Developing and maintaining relationships with volunteer attorneys, providing support to them when needed
• Assisting in planning volunteer attorney appreciation events and other recognition
• Problem-solving issues that arise related to VAP, including follow-up with clients, VAP attorneys, or other people and entities
• Reviewing and assigning case referrals, helping to identify research needs, recruitment strategies, and necessary compliance documentation
• Expanding the number of pro bono attorneys willing to provide pro bono services, especially in key areas such as family law, housing and consumer law.
• Assisting the Statewide Pro Bono Coordinator in organizing, recruiting volunteer attorneys for, and conducting legal clinics and events throughout New Mexico

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA and our statewide pro bono partners better serve our client community.

The position will be located in Las Cruces or Albuquerque but will require periodic travel around the State.

Company Benefits

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
• 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, liberal sick pay, and federal holidays off
• Comp time for overtime
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote – your choice!)
• 37.5-hour work week
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Competitive salary
• Click here for more information

Salary: $86,100 - $104,581, DOE