About the role

Senior Attorney at NMILC serving as primary legal advisor for intake and reception processes. Providing legal review and guidance on client eligibility for immigration services.

Responsibilities

Review completed intake forms and screenings conducted by intake/reception staff.
Provide legal guidance and written recommendations regarding client eligibility, potential immigration relief, and case acceptance, in collaboration with the Intake and Reception Team Manager.
Identify emergencies, high-priority cases, and issues requiring immediate attorney attention.
Maintain ongoing communication with the Intake/Reception team to clarify findings and ensure accurate client referrals.
Develop and maintain intake-related legal guidance materials, including checklists, FAQs, and protocols for common immigration issues, in collaboration with the Immigration Legal Services Practice Director.
Consult with the Immigration Legal Services Practice Director and managing attorneys on intake criteria, case prioritization, and program trends.
Track and analyze intake data to identify emerging patterns in community needs.
Provide limited direct services where appropriate, such as one-time legal advice sessions or referrals outside NMILC.
Stay informed about changes in immigration law and policy that affect intake evaluations.
Participate in team meetings, case roundtables, and professional development opportunities.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active license and good standing with a state bar; admission to the New Mexico bar preferred or ability to waive in.
Minimum 4 years of experience working with immigrant community, preferably in nonprofit legal services.
Minimum of 6 years demonstrating proven legal expertise or exemplary skills in managing complex legal projects.
Knowledge of forms of immigration relief and eligibility criteria.
Knowledge of immigrant eligibility to public benefits, especially Medicaid, and knowledge of housing law, especially New Mexico landlord/tenant law.
Commitment to cultural humility and serving immigrant communities with compassion and respect.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

100% of Individual Employee Health, Dental and Vision Premium paid by NMILC for the Base Plan and 50% for dependents.
Buy-up health plan also available.
Access to Traditional and Roth 401(K) options and discretionary employer match up to 10% of base salary upon meeting eligibility requirements (determined each fiscal year based on funding projections).
Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.
Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.
Exceptional paid holiday schedule, including company-paid federal holidays, 2 weeks of winter break, 1 week for spring break, and 1 week for summer break.
Three week paid vacation annually.
1 earned sick leave hour for every 30 hours worked.