Staff Attorney

In pursuit of New Mexico Wild’s mission, the Staff Attorney will use law and policy to protect and defend New Mexico’s wilderness, public lands, waters, and wildlife, working at the direction of the Executive Director and Senior Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will support the organization’s administrative advocacy, from tracking agency actions and building strong administrative records to drafting comments, protests, objections, and appeals. They will advise leadership on legal risks and opportunities across our campaigns, collaborate on litigation, conduct legal research, analyze federal and state legislation, represent New Mexico Wild in legal and policy coalitions, and help develop policy. As federal protections for public lands, waters, and wildlife are rolled back, the Staff Attorney will assist with developing and employing New Mexico Wild’s legal response.

New Mexico Wild functions as an integrated team. The Staff Attorney will work closely with conservation, organizing, communications, and development staff, and their legal judgment will help shape campaign strategy across the organization. About 80% of the role is legal and policy work; the rest supports outreach, fundraising, and the team.

Education and Experience:

J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the New Mexico bar, or another state bar and the ability and commitment to gain New Mexico admission within 12 months.
At least 3 years of legal experience. Exceptional candidates at all experience levels will be considered.

Required Qualifications:

Goal-driven, results-oriented individual with a passion for New Mexico Wild’s mission and a demonstrated commitment to protecting New Mexico’s wilderness, public lands, wildlife, and water.
Experience in public lands, natural resources, or environmental law.
Excellent research, writing, analytic, and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to explain legal and technical issues in plain language.
Working knowledge of NEPA, FLPMA, NFMA, ESA, APA, FOIA, and of how federal land management agencies make decisions.
Ability to manage multiple matters with shifting deadlines and to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Sound judgment and discretion with confidential information.
Ability to professionally represent the organization in front of agency staff, elected officials, coalition partners, the press, and the public.
A commitment to working with a diverse array of partners and stakeholders engaged in the protection of wilderness, public lands, water, and wildlife, including coalition partners, Tribes and Pueblos, acequias, land grant communities, outdoor recreation groups, and small businesses throughout the state.
Able to travel within New Mexico on an occasional basis for hearings, meetings, community events, and field visits.
Strong work ethic and initiative, excellent organization skills, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

Litigation experience in federal court, especially public lands, water, or wildlife cases.
Experience with the Wilderness Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, mining law, water law, or New Mexico environmental and public records statutes.
Experience working in coalitions or at an advocacy organization or public interest environmental law firm.
Comfort as a public speaker and with media interviews.
Bilingual Spanish speaker.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $85,000, depending on experience. New Mexico Wild offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental and family leave; bar dues, CLE, and professional development support; and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility as a 501(c)(3) employer.

Location: Albuquerque, NM office (hybrid); remote within New Mexico considered.

Tagged as: Law/Policy