What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance?
Position Title: Staff Attorney, Community Clinics – Brian Coyle Center
Position Type: Regular Full-Time Exempt
Location: Minneapolis, MN 55403
Introduction:
MMLA seeks a dedicated individual to be part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and compassion to stabilizing families and building community, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.
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!
- Discrimination and harassment have no place at MMLA. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.
- MMLA has adopted a Racial Justice Values Statement: Values - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. In your application, please share how your background and skills will further these values.
What are MMLA’s Community Clinics?
- MMLA partners with community-based organizations to offer in-person legal services where our clients live and work.
- MMLA currently hosts six Community Clinics in Minneapolis: Community Clinics - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.
- Our Clinic Attorneys work at their clinic sites 2 – 3 days per week. The remainder of the time, they work remotely or in our downtown office.
- This position will staff the Brian Coyle Center. It will take the lead to form lasting relationships and build the capacity of the clinic. This position will be a “generalist” attorney, representing clients in a variety of civil case types.
- Our Community Clinics strive to be accessible, flexible, and responsive. In relationship with our community partners, we also grow in our cultural literacy.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Apply the principles of MMLA's Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.
- Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
- Professionally maintain an active litigation caseload, including hearings and trials.
- Work in small teams to service our diverse clients and their needs.
- Additional duties may include complex litigation, policy advocacy, community education, and staffing a community clinic site.
- Additional duties as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represent clients in legal proceedings, including negotiations, mediations, and court appearances.
- Staff MMLA’s Community Clinic at Brian Coyle as assigned, likely starting at two days per week.
- Continue to build and refine the Brian Coyle Clinic’s capacities and processes, including intake procedures, setting case priorities, and collaborating with Brian Coyle staff.
- Conduct intake and evaluate cases for merit.
- Provide a range of legal services to community members, ranging from brief advice, investigation, negotiation, and full representation.
- Draft, file, and argue legal documents such as motions, pleadings, and agreements.
- Manage a full caseload, ensuring timely and effective prioritization of tasks to meet deadlines.
- Maintain regular communication with clients, keeping them informed of their rights, options, and case progress.
- Actively cultivate your understanding of our clients’ backgrounds and cultures.
- Work collaboratively with other members of the legal team to support the overall goals of MMLA.
- Participate in community outreach and education efforts.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge:
- Working understanding of general civil law, specifically: rental housing, family law, consumer law, and public benefits.
- Civil litigation, including familiarity with pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and evidentiary hearings and trials.
- Knowledge of legal research methods and resources.
- Familiarity with outside social service resources/providers to further assist clients in meeting their needs and bolstering their legal cases
- Skills:
- Strong negotiation and mediation skills.
- Client intake and consultation.
- Legal research and writing.
- Project management, including delegation.
- Strong organizational skills to manage a dynamic caseload in a healthy, sustainable way.
- Abilities:
- Ability to handle emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism.
- Strong analytical abilities to evaluate legal issues and develop effective strategies.
- Effective time management and organizational skills to handle a high volume of cases.
- Other Characteristics:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Commitment to providing high-quality legal services and making a positive impact in the community.
- Membership in relevant professional organizations and active participation in continuing legal education.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
- Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Minnesota attorney.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest work.
- Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, rural, and/or cultural communities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in the areas of social justice, economic justice, and/or racial justice.
- Experience working with individuals with mental health concerns.
- Experience working with members of the East African community.
- Fluency in a second language.
Compensation Information:
$80,000 to $96,345, depending on experience, plus 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 a cover letter at https://mylegalaid.org/employement.
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. This position is subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Salary : $80,000 - $96,345
