Responsibilities: The attorney will focus primarily on family law and employment law, with expansion into other practice areas within CMLS priorities. This position will involve regular litigation. The office has a commitment to service work, including litigation, community legal education and community outreach, as appropriate client needs. Travel may be required through out the nine counties served by the CMLS office in Saint Cloud.
Background: The mission of Central Minnesota Legal Services is to advocate for access to the civil justice system for low-income people by providing high quality legal services, and to improve the lives of people living in poverty by empowering self-advocacy skills through legal education. CMLS is a 3-office program with 28 employees providing free legal representation to low-income clients in 21 counties in central Minnesota. The Saint Cloud office serves Itasca, Chisago, Mille Lacs, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Morrison, Todd and Wright counties.
CMLS is funded primarily by a grant from the Legal Services Corporation. CMLS also has other funding sources to provide civil legal services to specific low-income populations in its service area. CMLS enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar and the local judiciary.
Qualifications: Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the problems of marginalized communities and individuals experiencing poverty. Prior family law experience preferred. Poverty law litigation experience or law school clinical experience a plus. Candidates should be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or be a candidate for Bar admission. Attorneys admitted to practice in another state with 18 months’ employment in a poverty law office can obtain temporary pre-exam admission. Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required. Ability to speak a second language, particularly Spanish or Somali, is a plus.
Demonstrated commitment to furthering principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds is essential. Must have strong communication skills, ability to work constructively in a team setting, exhibit good judgment, ability to learn quickly and work independently, and be able to effectively handle contested hearings.
Send or e-mail resume, cover letter, references, and a writing sample to:
Daniel Morris
Central Minnesota Legal Services
110 6th Avenue South, Suite 205
St. Cloud, MN 56301
[email protected]