Education Team Leader - Attorney
Job Details
Job Location
Minneapolis - Minneapolis, MN
Position Type
Full-Time Permanent
Salary Range
$78,909 - $93,044 salary/year
Job Shift
Day
Job Category
Legal
DESCRIPTION
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) is seeking a full-time attorney to lead our disability rights education work for the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC). This position will lead our youth services team focused on special education advocacy and litigation to advance the dignity, self-determination, and equality of individuals with disabilities. This attorney will also take cases on other disability rights issues. This position will be based in MMLA's Minneapolis office, with some statewide travel required. This position is also in a hybrid work environment.
As an equal opportunity employer, MMLA 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. We are committed to a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace.
BACKGROUND: MDLC is a statewide project of MMLA and is the designated agency to protect and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in Minnesota. MMLA's mission is to advocate for the legal rights of disadvantaged people to have safe, healthy, and independent lives in their communities. MMLA provides civil legal representation to clients with low incomes and seniors in 21 counties in central Minnesota, and to people with disabilities throughout the state. MMLA and MDLC receive funding from a variety of public and private sources and enjoy strong support from the organized bar.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Apply the principles of MMLA's Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.
• Lead a team of attorneys/advocates, including ensuring team’s case handling, outreach, and other work aligns with MDLC’s overall priorities.
• Hire, onboard, and train new staff.
• Provide legal services and advice to individuals, which may include legal advocacy, negotiation, mediation, litigation, and handling of administrative and court proceedings.
• Interview clients, review records, manage caseload, and conduct legal research.
• Engage in systemic or complex litigation.
• Educate policymakers on education policy, including serving on statewide councils and task forces.
• Manage federal grants related to MDLC's education work.
• Draft reports and other materials related to MDLC's education work.
• Conduct trainings, outreach, and community education.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with relevant partners, including advocacy organizations, client communities, and agencies.
• Monitor facilities across the state that serve people with disabilities.
• Work with MMLA’s pro bono unit.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
• Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or eligible for admission by reciprocity.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or with disability rights and advocacy.
• One or more years of leadership experience.
• Three or more years of legal experience.
• One or more years of litigation experience.
• Demonstrated legal skills, including:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective litigation outcomes.
• Proven record of effective case handling and outcomes.
• Access to reliable transportation, as statewide travel is required.
• Commitment to working as a team member to serve clients' needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Three or more years of disability rights experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Familiarity with special education law (IDEA, 504, etc.)
• Interest and ability to build and advance partnerships with advocacy groups, client communities, schools and providers, and agencies.
• Second language ability, particularly Spanish, ASL, Hmong, or Somali.
• Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences.
SALARY: $78,909 - $93,044 salary/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.
APPLICATIONS: Submit resume, cover letter expressing interest in the position, and three job-related references online at https://mylegalaid.org/employment until position is filled.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Ann Cofell at [email protected].
Please direct all other inquiries to [email protected].
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Three or more years of disability rights experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Familiarity with special education law (IDEA, 504, etc.)
• Interest and ability to build and advance partnerships with advocacy groups, client communities, schools and providers, and agencies.
• Second language ability, particularly Spanish, ASL, Hmong, or Somali.
• Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences.
Submit resume, cover letter expressing interest in the position, and three job-related references online at https://mylegalaid.org/employment until position is filled.