Job details
Job type full-time number of hires for this role 1
Qualifications
Driver`s license (preferred)
Us work authorization (preferred)
Full job description
Legal aid service of northeastern minnesota (lasnem) seeks to fill the position for staff attorney to work primarily virtually to provide civil legal services to eligible clients in northeastern minnesota.
Organization:
Lasnem provides legal representation to low-income and senior citizens in 11 counties with offices in duluth, grand rapids, virginia, brainerd, and pine cityLasnem was founded in 1952 and has become an integral part of the justice system and a cornerstone of northeastern minnesota’s commitment to the proposition that equal access to justice is a basic human rightIn addition to a full range of general poverty law services, lasnem operates special projects to focus on the unique needs of the clients we serve, such as the senior law project, housing clinics, and critical partnerships in multiple counties to prevent homelessnessLasnem is also one of the seven legal services programs that form the minnesota legal services coalition.
In every case that we handle, our goal is always to help our clients reach sustainable, holistic resolutions to the problems they faceLegal problems do not arise in a vacuum, nor does resolving a legal matter always achieve the client’s goals of safety, stability, and opportunityTo that end, we work closely with a large number of community partners all across our service areaWorking in tandem with our community partners can often spark a virtuous cycle of success for our mutual clients.
Responsibilities:
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)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.
Given the efficiencies realized during the pandemic as lasnem has worked in a primarily virtual environment, and in light of the courts continuing to hold the majority of matters virtually, lasnem is offering a new, innovative virtual staff attorney positionThe virtual staff attorney would work remotely, serving a specified area of the northeastern regionThe majority of the virtual staff attorney’s time, including client meetings, court appearances, staff meetings, and outreach, can all be conducted remotelyThere are some circumstances where the virtual staff attorney will need to come to court or an office in person for a specified event or matter.
The virtual staff attorney’s legal advocacy will be supervised by the agency’s director of advocacy, who works out of the duluth officeTraining, mentoring and support will be consistently available for the virtual staff attorney by the director of advocacy, and fellow lasnem staff from all the officesThe virtual staff attorney will promote a positive and team-based work atmosphere, demonstrate lasnem’s mission and policies and support other staff in their efforts to do the sameThe individual will participate in direct communication with colleagues, the courts and community partners, and consistently demonstrate professional judgment and discretion.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in minnesota or eligibility for admission by motion or reciprocityExperience in poverty law is preferred but not requiredDemonstrable awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the populations we serve is necessaryCandidates must have a valid driver’s license, a working vehicle with valid insurance and willingness to travel to court proceedings, outreach opportunities, staff meetings and trainings.
As this is primarily a virtual position, applicants must have strong technology skills, be self-motivated and work well independentlyApplicants must also have strong written and verbal communication skills and willingness to connect virtually, electronically, in person or on the phone with their fellow team membersApplicants should have the ability to work constructively with others, the ability and willingness to work hard, use good judgment, and work well independentlyApplicants must be flexible and willing to accept additional duties as necessary.
Compensation:
Salary is dependent on experience, pursuant with the current pay scaleLasnem offers a comprehensive benefits package with excellent health/dental/life/disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan; exceptionally generous and flexible paid time off; and observes all federal holidaysReimburses for mileage at federal standard rate.
Deadline to apply: open until october 22, 2021.
Please submit a cover letter, resume and list of three references via email only to: dori streit, executive director
Legal aid service of northeastern minnesota is an equal opportunity affirmative action employerDiscrimination 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.
Job type: full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Schedule:
Monday to friday
Covid-19 considerations:
All clients and staff who go to the offices must wear a maskStaff are currently working remotely, but can voluntarily work in the office as need.
Experience:
Poverty law: 1 year (preferred)
License/certification:
Driver`s license (preferred)
License to practice law in minnesota (preferred)
Work location:
Fully remote
Work location: remote
