Legal Director

Job Description
Type of Job: 
Full-Time
Main Areas of Responsibility: 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Legal Director will manage a 6-person Legal Department that includes staff attorneys and a paralegal; the Legal Director will oversee NMELC’s legal strategy and ensure legal services provided to clients and communities are of excellent quality; and the Legal Director will also be involved in policy development, advocacy, and larger development/fundraising initiatives that help to support and expand NMELC’s legal services.

Additional Areas of Responsibility: 

At least 5 - 10 years of trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts, including class actions, with a strong background in environmental, constitutional, and/or civil rights law; admitted and in good standing with the New Mexico State Bar or eligible for admission; and environmental, environmental justice/social justice education, background, and/or experience.

Other Information/Requirements: 

The NMELC Legal Director must have relevant and extensive litigation experience and be highly knowledgeable of the courts, as well as a collaborative, flexible, committed, and resilient leader. The Legal Director will keep the Executive Director, legal team, and larger staff informed on relevant legal and policy developments. The successful candidate will collaborate with the legal team to curate NMELC’s case docket and will shape and direct the organization’s legal strategies, policy work, and priorities.

How to Apply: 

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, two writing samples minimum, & three references electronically to Dr. Virginia Necochea, Executive Director at [email protected]. Start date: April 2021 Applicants must live in New Mexico and/or be familiar with New Mexico history and culture. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Full-time/exempt annual salary of 75K to 92K depending on experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b), vacation and sick leave.

Contact Information
Name: 
Dr. Virginia Necochea
Agency/Organization: 
New Mexico Environmental Law Center
Address: 
1405 Luisa St, Ste #5
City: 
Santa Fe
State: 
New Mexico
Zip/Postal Code: 
87505
Business Phone: 
(505) 989-9022
Email Address: 
Internal Info
Date to Post: 
Feb 11 2021
Date to Remove: 
Feb 27 2021

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