Community Clinics Housing Justice Fellow

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Minneapolis, MN

2d•$80,000 - $88,727•Hybrid

About The Position

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) seeks an attorney for a one-year, grant-funded Housing Justice Fellowship representing low-income tenants and advancing housing justice in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The fellowship provides litigation experience, mentorship, on-the-job training, and professional development. The Fellow works fully in the office during training and then transitions to a hybrid schedule combining in-office and remote work. The role includes a Friday half-day of paid flex time, with the office closing at noon. The fellowship is funded through a one-year bridge grant. MMLA has applied for a further two-year grant, with that potential position expected to start in late summer 2027 if funded. The Fellow may apply through MMLA’s competitive hiring process; completion of this fellowship does not guarantee continued employment. The Fellow manages an active caseload involving landlord-tenant and homeownership law, representing clients in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and civil cases. The role includes civil litigation and trial work, in-person clinic staffing and intake, community outreach, and collaboration with MMLA colleagues and community partners to address emerging housing issues. The Fellow also supports tenant organizing and heirs’ property work. The position is full-time and exempt, although eligible third-year law students able to work part-time may apply. Compensation is $79,000–$88,727, based on directly related experience and MMLA’s salary matrix, plus benefits. Relevant certified language fluency may count as one additional year of experience for client-facing roles. This role is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and requires travel throughout the service area as needed.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in Minnesota or eligible for admission in Minnesota before or shortly after the fellowship start date.
Third-year law students able to work part-time are eligible to apply.
Deep respect for low-income and vulnerable community members.
Desire to appear in court or administrative proceedings to litigate client rights.
Excellent analytical and communication skills.
Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
Knowledge of legal research methods, legal writing principles, and case analysis.
Familiarity with landlord-tenant, real property, and consumer law.
Knowledge of civil litigation processes and legal advocacy practices.
Knowledge of trauma-informed and client-centered approaches to legal representation.
Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and racial justice principles and their application in legal services.
Ability to conduct legal research, analysis, and problem-solving; draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, legal memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents; and communicate in public and courtroom settings.
Skills in negotiation, dispute resolution, client interviewing and counseling, project management, and prioritization.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal case management systems, or ability to learn new technology quickly.
Ability to represent clients in court, administrative proceedings, and negotiations; analyze complex legal issues; develop legal strategies; collaborate with colleagues and community partners; work independently with sound judgment; seek support when needed; incorporate feedback; and work in both in-office and remote environments.
Ability to travel throughout the service area as needed.
Demonstrated commitment to serving vulnerable and lower-income individuals; high-quality legal representation; diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and racial justice; self-development; identifying systemic injustices and developing creative legal solutions; flexibility and learning; professional integrity; sound judgment; and ethical practice.

Nice To Haves

Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences.
Proficiency in a second language, especially Arabic, Hmong, Oromo, Somali, or Spanish.
Legal training, knowledge of community resources, and experience with case management software.

Responsibilities

Apply the principles of MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.
Manage an active caseload in landlord-tenant and homeownership law to promote safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
Represent clients in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and civil cases.
Perform civil litigation tasks, including drafting and filing pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trials.
Work with MMLA staff and community partners to identify and respond to emerging housing issues affecting vulnerable Minnesotans.
Staff an in-person clinic one or two days per week and provide coverage for other clinic attorneys during absences.
Conduct in-person intake at clinic locations and other community meetings.
With support from the clinic team, determine which cases to accept, the appropriate level of service, and litigation strategies.
Conduct community outreach, including attending community meetings, hosting trainings, meeting clients outside MMLA office hours, and performing site visits.
Support MMLA’s tenant organizing efforts and heirs’ property work.
Perform additional duties as assigned.