Job Description
Job Description
Minnesota Disability Law Center - Legal Director
Position Type : Regular Full-Time Exempt
Location : Metro Location (Office in Minneapolis)
Introduction :
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) serves as the protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in Minnesota. MDLC is seeking a full-time Legal Director to lead and coordinate casework and legal advocacy activity at MDLC. This position will report to the MDLC Deputy Director and will work in collaboration with the Deputy Director to ensure that MMLA / MDLC civil legal services at the Minnesota Disability Law Center are efficiently managed, strategically engaged, and culturally competent. This position further ensures such services are professionally and equitably provided to MMLA / MDLC’s low-income, vulnerable, and underrepresented client communities. The position is both administratively and for compensation purposes at the Managing Attorney level.
What’s in it for you?
- We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.
- On Fridays, the office closes at noon and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time.
- MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.
Why MMLA?
We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all!Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change our lives together.Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.Responsibilities :
Provide leadership in advancing organizational goals and objectives at MDLC, including MMLA’s racial justice values, commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, and ensuring MMLA / MDLC’s work is rooted in the communities it servesEngage and coordinate with community and legal professional partnerships and collaborations in service area to provide high quality community-based legal servicesDirect case selection and assignment, ensuring adherence to the agency’s goals, priorities and objectivesManage a small caseload of clientsManage and supervise the direct reports as assigned within MDLCOversee legislative policy workLead standing meetings with all levels of staff to discuss ongoing intakes, cases, and legal work and identify emerging issues affecting MDLC clients and staffManage case handling systems and refine processes to ensure matters are handled appropriately so that clients’ needs are met, legal ethical requirements are fulfilled, and clients receive excellent serviceProvide litigation support, training, and mentorship to staff at MDLC, such as preparing for hearings, 2nd-chairing a trial, coordinating appeals, and fielding amicus requestsLead and manage MDLC’s impact litigation in close coordination with the Litigation Director and the MDLC Deputy Director, to discuss and identify emerging legal issues appropriate for impact litigation, apply consistent analysis and resolution of ethics issues, and strategize on complex litigation issues.Support team leaders on strategy, systemic work, and potential impact litigation within their teamsCoordinate and facilitate meetings with the Mental Health PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC) with support from the MDLC Deputy DirectorAssist in hiring, onboarding, and orientation of MDLC staffAssist in leading the annual priority setting process for the organizationAssist with grant reporting process for organizationPerforms other responsibilities as assignedQualifications :
Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or eligible for admission by reciprocityExperience working with individuals with disabilities or with disability rights and advocacyThree to five years of leadership / supervision experienceEight or more years of legal experienceFour or more years of litigation experience, including class actionDemonstrated legal skills, including :Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Effective litigation outcomesProven record of effective case handling and outcomesKnowledge of key areas of Protection and Advocacy Agency legal concerns including Federal access authority, Olmstead, FAPE, etc.Interest and ability to build and advance partnerships with advocacy groups, client communities, schools, service providers, agencies, and regulatory authoritiesExperience with legislative, policy, and other systemic advocacyAbility to obtain a Level V moderate risk public trust government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management is required for the positionAccess to reliable transportation, as statewide travel is requiredPreferred Qualifications :
Second language ability, particularly Spanish, ASL, Hmong, or SomaliDiverse economic, social, and cultural experiencesCompensation Information :
101,973 to $118,410 per year, depending on experience. This position includes benefits. Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off.Application Submission :
Interested candidates should submit their resume, references, and cover letters at https : / / mylegalaid.org / employment. This is part of an ongoing search.If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Megan Cook at mcook@mylegalaid.org.
Please direct all other inquiries to hiring@mylegalaid.org.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. The terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and job security, may vary based on union status. Positions within our organization may be governed by collective bargaining agreements and union representation, while others are not.
Salary : $101,973 - $118,410
