Staff Attorney

MID-MINNESOTA LEGAL ASSISTANCE•Minneapolis, MN

11d•$80,000 - $87,273•Hybrid

About The Position

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA) seeks a full-time staff attorney for its Minneapolis office, working as part of the Immigration Law Project (ILP). The ILP represents clients in a range of immigration matters, including removal proceedings, adjustment of status, citizenship applications, and VAWA-based cases involving U and T visas. The role provides legal representation and advice to immigrant communities across Minnesota and includes court and affirmative immigration cases, community outreach, clinic work, and support for the project’s grants and data. The position offers a hybrid work environment and is expected to start as soon as possible after an offer is extended. The workweek is 4.5 days, ending at noon on Fridays. MMLA emphasizes equal justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. The attorney is expected to apply MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions and maintain compliance with the organization’s legal work protocols, grant requirements, and ethical obligations.

Requirements

Must be licensed to practice law or have taken the July 2026 bar exam.
Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income or vulnerable clients.
Demonstrated interest and ability to represent clients with complicated and traumatic histories.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office.
Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with others while also working independently.
Ability to manage a demanding workload, balance multiple priorities, and work efficiently with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences.
Spanish, Somali, or another language relevant to Minnesota’s immigrant community.
At least two years of immigration law experience.
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.
Provide full representation to individuals in detained and non-detained immigration court cases, including preparing and submitting written pleadings, motions, and applications for relief from removal.
Prepare clients, witnesses, and experts for individual hearings.
Submit appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals when appropriate.
Provide full representation in affirmative immigration cases, including preparing and submitting applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Maintain contact with clients throughout representation.
Advise clients about options for applying for immigration benefits.
Assess criminal records and advise clients on immigration consequences.
Prepare clients for interviews and submit appeals when appropriate.
Conduct outreach to community members and organizations in the service area about Know Your Rights presentations, available legal services, and immigration-related topics.
Attend legal clinics as needed to provide advice and brief services.
Assist the Immigration Law Project with grant proposals, reports, and data maintenance.
Maintain a caseload of court and benefits cases, analyze each case, and resolve legal issues in a timely manner.
Comply with Legal Aid’s legal work protocols, grant requirements, and ethical obligations.