Law Clerk – Albuquerque

This position exists to support and assist OFRA in-house attorneys with providing high quality legal representation for children, youth, eligible adults, indigent parents, and other legal parties who are the subject of abuse or neglect proceedings, or Family in Need of Court Ordered Services (FINCOS) proceedings, or Fostering Connections proceedings, including proceedings for the termination of parental rights, adoption proceedings, or other abuse/neglect, FINCOS, or Fostering Connections proceedings designated by the Agency, as defined by statute.

Duties of this position include:
– Provide legal support to the Attorney’s in the Legal Services Division and OFRA Leadership.
– Conduct legal research and analysis.
– Draft pleadings, reports and other resource materials.
– Conduct witness statements and assist in preparation for hearings, trials, mediations and out of court meetings.
– Maintain case files.
– Provide administrative and program support as needed.

For more information about this role and to apply, click here.

Trial/Appellate Attorney – Albuquerque

The OFRA trial/appellate attorney position exists to provide high-quality legal representation for children, youth, indigent parents, and eligible adults in or at risk of involvement in child welfare proceedings, including abuse/neglect proceedings, Families in Need of Court Ordered Services (FINCOS) proceedings, and Fostering Connections (extended foster care) proceedings. This position may also occasionally provide pre-legal consultation services to families considering a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) with the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). 

Additionally, this position offers the unique opportunity to provide legal representation for respondent parents throughout the appeals process.

For more information about this role and to apply, click here.

Attorney – Albuquerque

The Attorney position will provide legal representation for children, youth, eligible adults, indigent parents, and other legal parties who are the subject of, or who are at risk of being the subject of, abuse or neglect proceedings, Families in Need of Court Ordered Services (FINCOS) proceedings of Fostering Connections proceedings. This includes proceedings for the termination of parental rights, adoption proceedings, or other abuse/neglect, FINCOS, or Fostering Connections proceedings designated by the Office of Family Representation and Advocacy.

The Attorney position will provide legal representation for children, youth, eligible adults, indigent parents, and other legal parties who are the subject of, or who are at risk of being the subject of, abuse or neglect proceedings, Families in Need of Court Ordered Services (FINCOS) proceedings of Fostering Connections proceedings.
– Utilizing and adhering to OFRAs practice model (including Cornerstone Advocacy and Interdisciplinary Legal Teams) to prepare and support clients through high-quality legal representation.  Related actions and activities include but are not limited to:
– preparing and presenting evidence,
– interviewing and cross-examining witnesses,
– identifying and working with experts as needed,
– obtaining and reviewing discovery, 
– arguing motions for custody, placement, family time, services, and other actions that support the permanency plan and desired case goals;
– ensuring the use of translators and interpreters as necessary to ensure effective communication with clients; 
– maintaining regular contact with clients as required by OFRAs practice standards and expectations, including conducting home and community visits as appropriate or required; and
– collaborating effectively with OFRAs Family Peer Support Navigators (FPSNs) and Behavioral Health Specialists (BHSs) when interdisciplinary legal teams (IDLTs) are assigned to a client.
– Consulting (in ways that avoid conflicts of interest and protect confidentiality) with other attorneys in areas of special expertise, such as constitutional law, disability rights, Indian law, education/special education, and mental/behavioral health;
– Calendaring, tracking, and meeting legal and organizational deadlines;
– Remaining up to date on legal and regulatory changes that may affect OFRAs work; and
– Supporting and engaging in a collaborative, inclusive, supportive, and team-oriented office culture.

For more information about this role and to apply, click here.