Justice North: North Central Staff Attorney

Justice North•Duluth, MN

2d•$80,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Justice North is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide civil legal services to clients in rural north central Minnesota. The attorney must live in one of the listed counties by the agreed-upon start date and will be assigned to the Bemidji, Brainerd, or Alexandria office based on residence and regional needs. This is a hybrid role, not fully remote, with regular in-office work and in-person court, client, outreach, and community-partner work. The schedule and geographic coverage will be confirmed at the time of offer. The attorney will manage a civil legal caseload that may include family law, protective orders, housing and eviction defense, consumer law, public benefits, and elder law. The role also involves representing clients in court and administrative proceedings, conducting legal research, screening for intersecting legal issues, community education and outreach, and collaboration with courts and local organizations. The position includes directing support staff and complying with timekeeping, federal, professional, and organizational requirements. Justice North is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization serving low-income individuals and families across 33 counties in northern Minnesota. It was formed by a January 2026 merger, has more than 70 employees and eight offices, and handles housing, family, public benefits, consumer, elder, immigration, and other civil matters. Full-time employees work a standard 35-hour week. Regular regional travel is required; occasional evening, weekend, or early morning work may be needed.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
Licensed in Minnesota, eligible for admission by motion or reciprocity, or willing to take the next Minnesota Bar Examination.
Commitment to serving people with low incomes, people with disabilities, and others facing barriers to legal help.
Strong advocacy, communication, and professional judgment skills.
Ability to manage deadlines and an active caseload, working independently and as part of a team.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, insurability by Justice North’s carrier, and willingness to travel regularly in the region.
Residence in one of the listed counties by the agreed-upon start date: Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Otter Tail, Pope, Todd, or Wadena.

Nice To Haves

Experience in civil legal aid, poverty law, or public interest law.
Court experience, including contested matters.
Experience with rural communities, outreach, or community legal education, or a connection to north central Minnesota.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload and provide high-quality civil legal services, including family law, protective orders, housing and eviction defense, consumer law, public benefits, and elder law.
Represent clients in district court, administrative hearings, and negotiations.
Conduct legal research and screen clients holistically for intersecting legal issues.
Participate in case acceptance and case management procedures.
Conduct community legal education, outreach, and legal clinics.
Build relationships with courts, community organizations, and service providers.
Direct support staff and comply with timekeeping requirements, federal regulations, and professional and organizational policies.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and special projects as assigned.
Work regularly in the assigned office and in person in court and community settings, and travel regularly in the region.