Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP) Manager

Management Information Exchange; Las Cruces (NM); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

3 weeks vacation + 6 personal days + 6

Comp time for overtime

Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office

Job summary

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) seeks a VAP Manager to oversee statewide pro bono activities, supervise staff, and collaborate with Bar leaders, volunteers, and project partners. The role includes policy implementation, training development, and reporting to NMLA, ATJ, and LSC.

The candidate will help expand pro bono projects, especially in rural areas, and will travel across the state to support and coordinate clinics and events.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of practicing attorney experience.
• Admission to practice in New Mexico or eligibility for a limited license.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Willingness to travel across New Mexico.
• Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Experience with pro bono programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the VAP Director with policy implementation and monitoring for NM policy compliance.
• Develop and update VAP procedures and training materials for volunteers.
• Identify and implement efficiency, communication, and client-service improvements.
• Develop high-impact pro bono projects for NM populations, including rural areas.
• Liaise with NM Legal Aid practice groups and rural office managers.
• Draft regular reports to NMLA, ATJ, and LSC.
• Support volunteer attorneys and plan appreciation events.
• Resolve issues related to VAP and review referrals and research needs.
• Recruit and organize volunteer attorneys for clinics and events throughout NM.

Skills

Legal experience

Attorney

Spanish proficiency

Travel readiness

Tech proficiency

Written & oral communication

Supervisory experience

Education

Licensed attorney in NM

Job description

The VAP Manager will be responsible for collaborating with the overall function of the VAP, supervising 2 to 4 full-time-equivalent staff (statewide pro bono coordinator, paralegals, and community justice workers), working with project partners, Bar leaders and volunteers from throughout the state, and:

• 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.

Requirements

• Three (3) or more years' experience as a practicing attorney;
• Admission to practice in New Mexico required or ability to qualify for alimited license;
• Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills;
• The ability to manage multiple tasks;
• Enthusiasm for building collaborative relationships within the State Bar and the statewide pro bono community;
• Must be willing to travel;
• Proficiency in technology such as virtual meeting platforms (Zoom and Teams), Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Prior experience in administrative, supervisory, or training roles is a plus;
• Prior experience working with pro bono programs or handling pro bono cases is a plus;
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus;

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!)

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.