Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks to hire full-time staff attorneys in its Minneapolis office.
Responsibilities: The attorneys will focus primarily on family law and/or housing law, with expansion into another practice area within CMLS priorities. These positions will involve litigation, primarily in family court and housing court. One of the attorneys hired will participate in a special eviction court project in Anoka County, a project that involves working with several community partners.
Background: The mission of Central Minnesota Legal Services is to increase access to justice by providing high quality legal services to individuals experiencing poverty, challenging inequities, and empowering community members to participate in our civil legal system.
CMLS is a three-office program providing free legal representation to low-income clients in 21 counties in central Minnesota. The Minneapolis office serves Anoka and Hennepin Counties. Minneapolis attorneys will spend some time at a new satellite office in Anoka, likely one day per week.
CMLS is funded primarily by federal and state grants. 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 experience with family law or housing law 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 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, and be able to effectively handle contested hearings.
Salary: $60,000 -$72,258 D.O.E. pursuant to the CMLS salary schedule. Excellent benefits. Remote work available in a hybrid weekly schedule.
Starting Date: Negotiable
Application: Send cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to:
Hiring Committee
Central Minnesota Legal Services
111 North Fifth Street, Suite 402
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1604
Email applications: [email protected]
No Phone Calls Please