Staff Attorney

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$80,000 - $90,182•Hybrid

About The Position

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for its Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, part of the Economic Security Unit, based in the Minneapolis office. The position is available immediately. The attorney works fully onsite during the training period; after successful completion of training, the role offers a hybrid arrangement combining in-office and remote work. The Staff Attorney represents low-income clients in federal and state tax controversies, including audits, administrative appeals, tax court matters, and requests for collections assistance or tax debt reduction. The role also involves client interviews and advice, legal research and writing, community education and outreach, advocacy, and management of an active caseload. The attorney is expected to apply MMLA’s racial justice values and maintain accurate client and case records in accordance with organizational policies, grant requirements, and ethical obligations. The position offers a salary of $80,000 to $90,182 per year, depending on relevant experience, plus benefits. MMLA describes a collaborative, supportive workplace committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and equal access to justice. The office closes at noon on Fridays, with employees receiving a half-day of paid flex time.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in Minnesota, eligible for admission by reciprocity, or registered to take the next Minnesota Bar Examination.
Demonstrated interest in and commitment to serving low-income and vulnerable clients.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed, including to tax outreach and education events throughout Minnesota.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice principles.
Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in federal and state tax issues.
Understanding of legal advocacy and tax procedures.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Excellent verbal communication and client advocacy skills.
Ability to develop and deliver community education presentations.
Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of federal, state, and/or local tax experience.
Admission to practice before the U.S. Tax Court.
Experience with legal case management software.
Knowledge of community resources available to low-income individuals and families.
Fluency in Spanish or Somali.
Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, cultural, and rural communities.
Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Apply the principles of MMLA's Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.
Provide full representation to individuals in tax controversies, including Internal Revenue Service and Minnesota Department of Revenue audits, administrative appeals, collections assistance, and tax debt reduction matters.
Represent clients in state and federal tax court as necessary.
Interview and advise clients regarding state and federal tax issues.
Gather, review, and submit documentation for administrative review and appeals hearings.
Draft legal memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents.
Conduct community outreach and legal education presentations for clients, service providers, and community groups throughout Minnesota.
Develop written outreach and educational materials.
Participate in program initiatives, special projects, and advocacy efforts supporting low-income communities.
Monitor administrative, statutory, and case law tax developments.
Manage an active caseload, prioritize urgent matters, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain client and case records in compliance with MMLA policies, grant requirements, and ethical obligations.