Staff Attorney

Central Minnesota Legal Services•St. Cloud, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS) is a four-office nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free legal representation to low-income clients across 21 counties in central Minnesota. The organization's mission is to enhance access to justice by delivering high-quality legal services to individuals experiencing poverty, challenging inequities, and empowering community members to engage with the civil legal system. This full-time Staff Attorney position is based in the St. Cloud office, serving Itasca, Chisago, Mille Lacs, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Morrison, Todd, and Wright counties. CMLS is primarily funded by a grant from the Legal Services Corporation, supplemented by other funding sources to serve diverse low-income populations. CMLS maintains strong relationships with the organized bar and local judiciary.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the problems of marginalized communities and individuals experiencing poverty
Licensed to practice law in Minnesota or be a candidate for Bar admission
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
Strong communication skills
Ability to work constructively in a team setting
Exhibit good judgment
Ability to learn quickly and work independently
Ability to effectively handle contested hearings
Demonstrated commitment to furthering principles of inclusion and belonging, and ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with family law
Poverty law litigation experience or law school clinical experience
Ability to speak a second language, particularly Spanish or Somali

Responsibilities

Focus primarily on family law, with potential expansion into secondary practice areas aligned with CMLS priorities
Engage in regular litigation, primarily in family court, and potentially administrative hearings and appeals
Partner with local supportive organizations to administer advice clinics
Participate in service work, including community legal education and community outreach, which may occur in-person or remotely
Travel throughout the nine counties served by the St. Cloud office of CMLS as required