New Mexico Appleseed

STAFF ATTORNEY

Santa Fe, New Mexico (possibly Albuquerque)

Practice Areas:  Hunger, homelessness, community development, poverty law, Native American

Job Description

The Staff Attorney is responsible for high-quality research, analysis, and writing for the organization on a wide variety of poverty-related issues such hunger, homelessness, and foster care.  Primary responsibilities include legal research and writing, policy analysis and advocacy, legislative drafting, negotiation, community education, and collaboration with non-profit, community-based, and governmental organizations.  This position does not involve litigation or individual client representation.  Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

Qualifications

• Proven track record of superb, detail-oriented legal and policy research and writing. Candidate must be able to identify issues; research relevant statutes, regulations, and guidance at all levels of government; summarize them accurately, succinctly, and coherently; and edit his or her own work.
• Deep, proven commitment to public service.
• Proven ability to work with a wide array of professionals and community members from varying backgrounds
• Willingness to work “law firm” hours on a fairly regular basis.
• Ability to create and use Excel spreadsheets and do basic math.
• Bar admission in any state preferred; willingness to take the New Mexico Bar required.
• One to five years of experience as an attorney required.
• Two to five years of experience doing advanced research and writing preferred.
• Clerkship a major plus
• Journal experience a plus.
• Connection and/or commitment to New Mexico a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of superb, detail-oriented legal and policy research and writing. Candidate must be able to identify issues; research relevant statutes, regulations, and guidance at all levels of government; summarize them accurately, succinctly, and coherently; and edit his or her own work.
• Deep, proven commitment to public service.
• Proven ability to work with a wide array of professionals and community members from varying backgrounds
• Willingness to work “law firm” hours on a fairly regular basis.
• Ability to create and use Excel spreadsheets and do basic math.
• Bar admission in any state preferred; willingness to take the New Mexico Bar required.
• One to five years of experience as an attorney required.
• Two to five years of experience doing advanced research and writing preferred.
• Clerkship a major plus
• Journal experience a plus.
• Connection and/or commitment to New Mexico a plus.

 

Personal Qualities:

• Intellectually curious, with a passion for research and writing
• Highly detail-oriented
• Very organized and able to prioritize projects
• Extremely hard and dedicated worker
• Flexible and easygoing
• Willing to do both the exciting policy work and the less exciting grunt work involved with a small nonprofit
• Self-starter
• Ability to take and offer constructive criticism
• Sense of humor
• Can communicate with anyone from all walks of life

Salary:  Depending Upon Experience. Great office atmosphere and generous vacation. Competitive

Application Instructions:

To apply, send a cover letter, law school transcript, writing sample and resume to Jennifer Ramo at jramo@nmappleseed.org.

New Mexico Appleseed

STAFF ATTORNEY

Santa Fe, New Mexico (possibly Albuquerque)

Practice Areas:  Hunger, homelessness, community development, poverty law, Native American

Job Description

The Staff Attorney is responsible for high-quality research, analysis, and writing for the organization on a wide variety of poverty-related issues such hunger, homelessness, and foster care.  Primary responsibilities include legal research and writing, policy analysis and advocacy, legislative drafting, negotiation, community education, and collaboration with non-profit, community-based, and governmental organizations.  This position does not involve litigation or individual client representation.  Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

Qualifications

• Proven track record of superb, detail-oriented legal and policy research and writing. Candidate must be able to identify issues; research relevant statutes, regulations, and guidance at all levels of government; summarize them accurately, succinctly, and coherently; and edit his or her own work.
• Deep, proven commitment to public service.
• Proven ability to work with a wide array of professionals and community members from varying backgrounds
• Willingness to work “law firm” hours on a fairly regular basis.
• Ability to create and use Excel spreadsheets and do basic math.
• Bar admission in any state preferred; willingness to take the New Mexico Bar required.
• One to five years of experience as an attorney required.
• Two to five years of experience doing advanced research and writing preferred.
• Clerkship a major plus
• Journal experience a plus.
• Connection and/or commitment to New Mexico a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain expertise in the laws, regulations, and guidance for housing and child welfare programs, USDA meal programs, and other areas related to poverty or public benefits as needed.
• Research and write legislative reports, memos for internal and external distribution, fact sheets, talking points, and presentations.
• Give formal and informal presentations to a variety of audiences, including legislators, state and federal agencies, and community members.
• Advocate in a collaborative and positive manner for policy change with state agencies, school districts, and community stakeholders.
• Work with community stakeholders to implement policies at state and local levels.
• Draft legislation, regulations, and MOUs.
• Occasional travel around New Mexico and the Navajo Nation is required. Longer-distance travel may be required infrequently.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

 

Personal Qualities:

• Intellectually curious, with a passion for research and writing
• Highly detail-oriented
• Very organized and able to prioritize projects
• Extremely hard and dedicated worker
• Flexible and easygoing
• Willing to do both the exciting policy work and the less exciting grunt work involved with a small nonprofit
• Self-starter
• Ability to take and offer constructive criticism
• Sense of humor
• Can communicate with anyone from all walks of life

Salary:  Depending Upon Experience. Great office atmosphere and generous vacation.

Application Instructions:

To apply, send a cover letter, law school transcript, writing sample and resume to Jennifer Ramo at jramo@nmappleseed.org.