Job Description
Staff Attorney responsible for legal representation of low-income individuals in all areas of poverty law (such as family law, orders for protection, landlord/tenant disputes, evictions, utilities, public benefits, consumer, expungement, and other civil matters).Â
Location
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota in our Alexandria, Minnesota, office. We would prefer to have a Staff Attorney located in our Alexandria office but are also open to qualified candidates who are located in or around Moorhead or Bemidji.
Organization
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) provides free legal representation in civil matters to low-income clients in 22 northwest Minnesota counties. With 3 offices located in Moorhead, Alexandria and Bemidji, and a 45+ year history of helping people enforce their legal rights, LSNM is committed to ensuring access to justice is available to all people in our communities.Â
As an equal opportunity employer, LSNM is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply. We welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goal of equal justice for all. Â
Attorney Duties
Include but are not limited to: representing low-income clients primarily in poverty law areas of family law, public benefits, Social Security Disability, health, public housing, and landlord-tenant; managing a caseload; preparing and delivering client and attorney training and other community education; conducting intake and outreach; special legal and community projects impacting low income clients. Some travel required. The attorney will be supervised by the Director of Litigation and Advocacy. LSNM has a hybrid work policy, and some remote work is available.
The position is an exempt position that will promote a positive and team-based work atmosphere, demonstrate LSNM mission, values, and policies, and supports other staff in their efforts to do the same. The individual will participate in direct communication with colleagues, the courts, and community partners, and consistently demonstrate professional judgment and discretion.
Attorney Qualifications
Law degree and a license to practice law in Minnesota or eligibility for admission by motion or reciprocity. Provisional hiring contingent upon taking and passing the Minnesota bar examination is possible. Poverty law and family law experience preferred. Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required. Diverse economic, social or culture experience area is a plus. Demonstrated oral and written advocacy skills. Sensitivity to needs and problems of clients.
Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the problems of marginalized communities and individuals experiencing poverty.  Demonstrated commitment to furthering principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds are essential. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply. We welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client community. Must have strong communication skills, ability to work constructively in a team setting, exhibit good judgment, ability to learn quickly and work independently.
Salary Range
Starting salary range: $60,000, dependent upon years of experience, pursuant to current pay scale. LSNM offers a 37.5 hour work week, comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
How to Apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 9, 2023, or until filled.
PLEASE SEND COVER LETTER WITH RESUME AND THREE REFERENCES VIA EMAIL ONLY TO:
Anne Hoefgen, Executive Director
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota
legalaid@lsnmlaw.org
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age or veterans’ status is not permitted.