What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney – Albuquerque Office position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, helping clients access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has locations throughout the state, including Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos.
NMLA seeks an Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney to provide direct legal services to survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, stalking and all forms of child abuse. This position focuses on helping clients achieve safety, stability, and independence through legal advocacy, regardless of income.
This position is located in our Albuquerque office and may require occasional travel. The position reports to the Albuquerque DV/Victims Services Managing Attorney.
The Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney will manage a focused caseload representing survivors of domestic violence under the Family Violence Protection Act; including but not limited to rape, stalking, sexual assault, physical child abuse and child sexual abuse in a range of civil legal matters. This work centers on addressing legal issues that impact client safety, housing stability, financial security, and long-term well-being.
Legal matters include, but are not limited to, domestic violence orders of protection, kinship guardianship, divorce, custody, and other related family law issues.
Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney will provide services through a combination of direct representation, legal advocacy, and community engagement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.
This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click here to view the salary scale).
Company Benefits
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, helping clients access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has locations throughout the state, including Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos.
NMLA seeks an Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney to provide direct legal services to survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, stalking and all forms of child abuse. This position focuses on helping clients achieve safety, stability, and independence through legal advocacy, regardless of income.
This position is located in our Albuquerque office and may require occasional travel. The position reports to the Albuquerque DV/Victims Services Managing Attorney.
The Interpersonal Violence Staff Attorney will manage a focused caseload representing survivors of domestic violence under the Family Violence Protection Act; including but not limited to rape, stalking, sexual assault, physical child abuse and child sexual abuse in a range of civil legal matters. This work centers on addressing legal issues that impact client safety, housing stability, financial security, and long-term well-being.
Legal matters include, but are not limited to, domestic violence orders of protection, kinship guardianship, divorce, custody, and other related family law issues.
Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney will provide services through a combination of direct representation, legal advocacy, and community engagement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide legal advice, brief services, and limited representation for clients in legal matters.
- Interview clients, assess legal issues, and develop case strategies aligned with applicable law and program priorities.
- Prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and other filings.
- Represent clients in court hearings, administrative proceedings, and appeals as needed.
- Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and discovery to support case development.
- Maintain accurate and timely case files and documentation in accordance with program requirements.
- Manage an active caseload, prioritizing urgent matters and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and external agency partners, including co-counsel and community organizations.
- Conduct community outreach and legal education to clients, service providers, and community groups.
- Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts that support low-income communities.
- Other duties as assigned.
NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.
This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click here to view the salary scale).
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, plus sick pay, and federal holidays off
- Comp time for overtime
- Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
- 37.5-hour work week
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Click here for more information
Salary : $63,376 - $100,547