Youth and Family Staff Attorney

Youth and Family Staff Attorney

Position Type: Regular Full-Time Exempt

Location: Minneapolis, MN 55403

Introduction:

MMLA is seeking a dedicated individual to be part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and compassion to meaningful work, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.

The successful candidate will work fully in the office during the training period to ensure comprehensive onboarding and integration into our processes. Upon completion of training, a hybrid work model will be offered, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work.

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.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and it is critical that we incorporate these values into all aspects of our work. We recognize the particular and highly detrimental impact of racism — and of Minnesota’s racial disparities — on MMLA’s clients and staff. We, therefore, devote special attention to issues of racial justice.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide legal assistance to youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness regarding options for when they can no longer live at home, minor consent to health care services, access to education, government benefits, housing, immigration and other civil legal matters.
• Represent clients in legal proceedings, including negotiations, mediations, and court appearances.
• Meet clients in the community
• Community outreach to provide training and presentation on youth law issues.
• Collaborate with colleagues and community partners to address legal needs.
• Conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and ensure access to justice.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of family law, including child custody, child support, divorce, and protection/harassment orders.
• Familiarity with local and state law regulations and procedures
• 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

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• Understanding trauma’s impact on young people’s behavior and decision-making
• Ability to communicate sensitively and build trust with clients who may have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events
• Communicate and explain complex legal concepts to clients using plain language

Abilities

• Handle emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism
• Being sensitive to cultural differences
• Patience and empathy

Other characteristics

• 0-5 years of experience as a licensed and working attorney
• Experience working with youth and vulnerable adults

Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Dedication to mission and values of MMLA
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Minnesota, registered to take the July 2025 MN Bar exam, or eligible to admission by reciprocity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Spanish as a second language

• Experience working with youth and vulnerable adults
• Experience providing support, advocacy, or counseling to individuals who have experienced abuse or violence
• Experienced serving indigent populations and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds

Compensation Information:

• $80,000 to $87,273 per year 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 applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and references at https://mylegalaid.org/employment/ by 04/16/2025.

If the above link directed you to our Career Page and you do not see the correct posting, we have paused or ended the application submission window.

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.