Paralegal – Victims Services Projects (VOCA, LAV, Kinship Guardianship)

Role Overview

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is dedicated to providing essential civil legal aid to economically disadvantaged New Mexicans to support family stability, economic security, and preservation of cultural heritage. This role will be situated in the NMLA Albuquerque office and serves clients statewide through three key projects: Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV), and the CYFD Kinship Guardianship Grant.

Project Focuses

• VOCA offers representation to victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, and stalking.
• LAV assists LGBTQ+ community members who have experienced discrimination or violence due to gender identity or sexual orientation.
• The Kinship Guardianship project supports kinship caregivers by providing trauma-informed legal advice, counsel, or representation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and process client applications for legal services.
• Provide litigation support and assist attorneys in court preparation.
• Draft pleadings, letters, and other necessary legal documents.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients.
• Coordinate referrals to external support service organizations.
• Perform community outreach to raise awareness and engagement.
• Support attorneys in conducting training on victims' rights and legal procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date client information within a database system.
• Potentially attend court sessions alongside clients.
• Assist clients in obtaining financial aid from state entities for domestic abuse cases.
• Monitor legal cases for any violations of victims' rights requiring attorney action.

Additional Information

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with salary determined by experience according to a union scale. NMLA offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid health insurance, generous vacation and personal time, a hybrid working schedule (three days in office, two days remote), a 37.5-hour workweek, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

Company Benefits

• Full employer coverage of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance, with contributions towards dependents' coverage.
• Three weeks paid vacation, six personal days, sick leave, and federal holidays off.
• Hybrid work model incorporating in-office and remote days.
• Standard workweek of 37.5 hours.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan available.