Hotline Attorney

Justice North • Duluth, MN

10h • $80,000 - $110,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Hotline Attorney is a critical first point of contact for clients seeking legal help during moments of crisis. Through our legal advice hotline, this position provides immediate, compassionate, and high-quality legal guidance to individuals facing urgent civil legal issues, often at a time when timely information can make a significant difference in safety, stability, or housing.

This role focuses on brief legal advice and thoughtful triage. The hotline attorney listens carefully to clients’ concerns, provides clear legal information and guidance across multiple areas of poverty law, and evaluates whether a client may benefit from additional legal services. When appropriate, matters are referred to colleagues who provide extended or full legal representation. Hotline attorneys do not carry litigation or ongoing representation caseloads, allowing them to focus entirely on advice, problem-solving, and decision-making at the front end of a case.

The hotline is a cornerstone of our organization’s service delivery model. It ensures that clients receive immediate assistance, that resources are allocated thoughtfully, and that attorneys providing extended representation can focus on deeper casework. The position offers meaningful client impact, intellectual variety, and the opportunity to build broad legal knowledge. The work is fast-paced, engaging, and well-suited for someone who enjoys helping many clients each day and thrives in a primarily remote environment.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota, eligible for admission by motion or reciprocity, or willing to take the next scheduled Minnesota Bar Examination
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income, immigrant, and other vulnerable or marginalized communities
• Ability to work effectively with survivors of domestic violence and individuals experiencing crisis or instability
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately by telephone
• Strong analytical skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to quickly identify legal issues and appropriate next steps
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team with professionalism and respect
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and contributing to program growth, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to manage competing demands effectively
• Technology aptitude and competence, including the ability to learn new systems and adapt to changing tools and processes
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the organization’s service area

Nice To Haves

• Training or experience in trauma-informed practice strongly preferred
• Prior experience providing legal advice directly to clients preferred
• Experience working in rural or geographically dispersed communities preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, high-quality brief legal advice to eligible clients by telephone, focusing on practical guidance, next steps, and risk reduction during moments of crisis
• Serve as a trusted first point of contact for clients, offering clear communication, professionalism, and empathy in emotionally charged or urgent situations
• Assess client needs and apply organizational guidelines to determine whether additional legal services are appropriate and, if so, facilitate referral to attorneys who provide limited or full representation
• Deliver legal advice across multiple common areas of poverty law, maintaining accuracy while adapting explanations to meet clients’ individual circumstances and levels of understanding
• Document advice and outcomes accurately and efficiently in accordance with program standards, timekeeping requirements, and applicable regulations
• Comply with all organizational policies, federal regulations, and Legal Services Corporation (LSC) requirements related to the provision of legal advice
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and organizational activities to maintain legal knowledge, policy awareness, and service quality
• Maintain reliable, timely attendance and availability during scheduled hotline hours
• Work independently while collaborating closely with colleagues to ensure smooth transitions for cases that move beyond the advice stage

Benefits

• Justice North offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a range of $80,000–$110,000, depending on experience, and an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; exceptionally generous paid time off; and paid federal holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree