Job Description
Given the efficiencies realized during the pandemic as LSNM has worked in a virtual environment, and in light of courts continuing to hold the majority of matters virtually, LSNM is offering this new, innovative virtual Staff Attorney position. Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) seeks to fill the position for Staff Attorney to work virtually (or in-person, if desired) to provide civil legal services to eligible clients in northwest Minnesota. The Staff Attorney (Virtual) is 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).
Location
Virtual, serving a specified area of LSNM's service area. There are some circumstances where the virtual Staff Attorney will need to go to court or an office in person for a specified event or matter. The in-person court appearances and outreach activities would be predominantly in Beltrami, Hubbard, and Clearwater Counties.
Organization
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) provides free legal representation in civil matters to low-income clients in 22 northwest Minnesota counties. LSNM comprises three staffed offices in Alexandria, Bemidji and Moorhead and a Judicare and Pro Bono program.
Attorney Duties
Aside from direct client services, the Staff Attorney position requires conducting outreach, appearing in administrative and judicial forums, active bar participation and special legal and community projects impacting low-income clients. The majority of the virtual Staff Attorney's time, including client meetings, court appearances, staff meetings, an outreach, can all be conducted remotely.
The virtual Staff Attorney's legal advocacy will be supervised by the agency's Director of Advocacy, who works out of the Moorhead office. Training, mentoring and support will be consistently available for the virtual Staff Attorney by the Director of Advocacy, and fellow LSNM staff from all offices. The virtual Staff Attorney will promote a positive and team-based work atmosphere, demonstrate LSNM's mission and policies and support other staff in their efforts to do the same. This 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.
- Experience in poverty law preferred, but not required.
- Diverse economic, social or culture experience area is a plus.
- Demonstratable awareness and sensitivity to the needs and problems to the populations we serve.
- Strong technology skills, self-motivated and ability to work well independently.
- Willingness to connect virtually, electronically, in person, or via phone with their fellow team members.
- Must possess the ability to work constructively with others, work hard, and use good judgment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to be flexible and accept additional duties as necessary.
- Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, working vehicle with valid insurance and willingness to travel to court proceedings, outreach opportunities, staff meetings and trainings.
Salary Range
Pursuant to the current starting pay scale: $60,000. LSNM offers a comprehensive benefits package, exceptionally generous and flexible paid time off, and observes all federal holidays. Reimbursement for mileage at federal standard rate. More information available upon request.
How to Apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2022.
PLEASE SEND COVER LETTER WITH RESUME AND THREE REFERENCES VIA EMAIL ONLY TO:
Anne Hoefgen, Executive Director
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota
[email protected]
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.