Staff Attorney

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Saint Cloud, FL

33d•$80,000 - $87,273•Hybrid

About The Position

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is hiring a full-time housing staff attorney for its St. Cloud office. The position provides civil legal services to tenants, including low-income families, and works to protect housing rights and advance access to justice. The attorney will represent clients in court and other proceedings, provide advice and brief services, conduct complex litigation, engage in policy advocacy and community outreach, and provide community education as needed. The attorney will also support coworkers on housing-related and other civil legal matters. The role applies MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement and works to identify and address systemic legal issues related to poverty and racism. The successful candidate will work fully in the office during training; after training, the position offers a hybrid arrangement combining remote work and in-office collaboration. The starting date will be negotiated based on bar admission and office needs. The position is regular, full-time, and exempt.

Requirements

Current licensure to practice law in Minnesota; individuals who took the July Bar exam may be considered, as may attorneys eligible for reciprocal admission to the Minnesota Bar.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
Concern for the needs and rights of low-income people.
Strong advocacy, legal writing, and legal analysis skills.
Ability to work positively within a law office, support coworkers, and provide high-quality client service.
Means of transportation to county courthouses around central Minnesota.
Knowledge of Minnesota landlord-tenant and housing law and related civil legal procedures.
Knowledge of courtroom practices, litigation processes, rules of evidence, legal research, and legal writing standards.
Knowledge of issues affecting low-income individuals and families, barriers to justice, fair housing and civil rights protections, and relevant community resources.
Ability to represent clients in court, administrative proceedings, and negotiations; analyze legal issues and develop strategies; manage a high-volume caseload and deadlines; communicate legal concepts clearly; and maintain confidentiality and sound professional judgment.
Ability to work collaboratively, build rapport with clients experiencing crisis or housing instability, and travel to courthouses and community locations throughout Central Minnesota.
Commitment to serving low-income individuals, advancing access to justice, and applying racial justice principles in daily work.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish or Somali.
Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences, or experience working with diverse populations.
Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships.
One to two years of experience as a licensed, practicing attorney.

Responsibilities

Apply MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.
Identify and address systemic legal issues related to poverty and racism faced by the community served.
Represent tenants in civil housing matters, including direct courtroom representation individually and through multi-county housing courts.
Advocate for clients’ rights and access to justice through direct advice and brief services.
Handle complex litigation.
Engage in policy advocacy and community outreach.
Provide community education as needed for client populations, projects, and office needs.
Support coworkers on housing-related and other civil legal matters.