Staff Attorney
MID-MINNESOTA LEGAL ASSISTANCE · St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States · hybrid
Housing Staff Attorney
Position Type: Regular Full-Time Exempt
Location: St. Cloud, MN 56301
Introduction:
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) is seeking a full-time housing staff attorney for its St. Cloud office. This position provides a meaningful opportunity to work with a diverse population of people, including low-income families, to protect and advocate for the basic rights and needs of housing. The starting date will be negotiated based upon bar admission and office needs.
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 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:
-
Apply the principles of MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.
-
Work to identify and address systemic legal issues related to poverty and racism faced by the community served.
-
Provide representation to tenants for their civil legal housing needs including but not limited to:
-
Direct courtroom representation individually and through multi-county housing courts
-
Advocate for clients' rights and ensure access to justice through direct advice and brief services
-
Complex litigation
-
Policy advocacy and community outreach
-
Community education as necessary for client populations, projects, and office needs
-
Provide support to co-workers on housing related and other civil legal matters.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
Knowledge
-
Knowledge of Minnesota landlord-tenant law, housing law, and related civil legal procedures.
-
Knowledge of courtroom practices, litigation processes, and rules of evidence.
-
Knowledge of legal research methods and legal writing standards.
-
Knowledge of issues affecting low-income individuals and families.
-
Knowledge of barriers to justice faced by underserved communities.
-
Knowledge of anti-discrimination laws, fair housing laws, and civil rights protections.
-
Knowledge of community resources and services available to clients facing housing instability.
-
Knowledge of principles related to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural responsiveness.
Skills
-
Strong legal advocacy and client representation skills.
-
Strong legal writing skills, including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence, and legal memoranda.
-
Strong legal analysis and problem-solving skills.
-
Effective legal research skills.
-
Courtroom litigation and oral advocacy skills.
-
Client interviewing and fact-gathering skills.
-
Negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
-
Community outreach and public education presentation skills.
-
Policy advocacy skills.
-
Ability to build and maintain community partnerships.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
-
Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish or Somali (preferred).
Abilities
-
Ability to represent clients effectively in court, administrative proceedings, and negotiations.
-
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop appropriate legal strategies.
-
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and meet deadlines.
-
Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to individuals from diverse educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
-
Ability to identify systemic legal issues impacting low-income communities and develop strategies to address them.
-
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and team-oriented law office.
-
Ability to build trust and rapport with clients experiencing crisis, poverty, discrimination, or housing instability.
-
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and maintain confidentiality.
-
Ability to travel to courthouses and community locations throughout Central Minnesota.
-
Ability to apply organizational values and racial justice principles in daily work activities.
Other Characteristics
-
Current licensure to practice law in Minnesota, eligibility for admission, or ability to obtain reciprocal admission.
-
Commitment to serving low-income individuals and advancing access to justice.
-
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural competency.
-
Experience working with diverse economic, social, and cultural populations.
-
Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships (preferred).
-
One to two years of experience as a licensed practicing attorney (preferred).
-
Commitment to high-quality client service and professional ethics.
-
Dependability, professionalism, and accountability.
-
Means of transportation to courts and other required work locations throughout the service area.
Required Qualifications:
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
-
Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles.
-
Concern for the needs and rights of low-income persons.
-
Strong skills in advocacy, legal writing, and legal analysis.
-
Attorney applicants must be currently licensed in Minnesota. Individuals who took the July Bar exam will be considered.
-
Attorneys admitted in states other than Minnesota and can get reciprocal admission into the Minnesota Bar will also be considered.
-
Ability to work positively within a law office, supporting co-workers while focusing on providing high-quality service to clients.
-
Means of transportation to County Courthouses around central Minnesota.
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Skills in a language other than English, particularly Spanish or Somali.
-
Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences.
-
Experience working in community partnerships.
-
1-2 years of experience as a licensed and working attorney.
Compensation Information:
-
$80,000 to $87273 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.
-
Salary Determination: Salary is based on relevant prior experience and aligned with our organizational salary matrix. Candidates are placed on the schedule according to years of directly related experience to ensure consistency and equity.
-
Lan