Staff Attorney

Youth and Family Staff Attorney 

Position Type: Regular Full-Time Exempt 

Location: Minneapolis, MN 55403 

Introduction: 

MMLA is seeking a dedicated individual to be part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and compassion to meaningful work, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.  

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 the 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! 
• Discrimination and harassment have no place at MMLA. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives. 
• MMLA has adopted a Racial Justice Values Statement: Values - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. In your application, please share how your background and skills will further these values. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Apply the principles of MMLA's Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions. 
• Maintain an active family law caseload, including negotiation and litigation. 
• Working with the Clinic Unit’s Supervising Attorney build up the Clinic Unit’s capacity in family law matters. This includes:
  • Training new staff on family law
  • Hosting periodic trainings on different family law topics
  • Developing and maintaining family law intake materials
  • Co-counseling family law cases
  • Offering feedback on family law case acceptance and case planning
• Work collaboratively with other MMLA staff outside the Clinics Unit to support the overall goals of MMLA. 
• Participate in community outreach and education efforts. 
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics 

Knowledge 

• Demonstrated proficiency in family law litigation, including negotiation, pleadings, motions, hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Familiarity with general civil legal topics.
• Legal research methods and accessing other resources. 
• Familiarity with outside social service resources/providers to further assist clients in meeting their needs.

Skills 

• Negotiation and mediation. 
• Client intake and consultation. 
• Legal research and writing. 
• Project management, including delegation. 
• Strong organizational skills to manage a dynamic caseload in a healthy, sustainable way. 
• Training staff and law clerks.

Abilities 

• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism. 
• Strong analytical abilities to evaluate legal issues and develop effective strategies. 
• Effective time management and organizational skills to handle a high volume of cases. 

Other characteristics 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. 
• Commitment to providing high-quality legal services and making a positive impact in the community. 
• Membership in relevant professional organizations and active participation in continuing legal education. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Minnesota attorney. 
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest work.
• At least three years’ experience litigating family law matters.
  • Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, rural, and/or cultural communities.
  • Ability to travel to different clinic sites within Minneapolis.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney 
• Experience working with youth and vulnerable adults.
• Experienced serving indigent populations and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Experience working in the areas of economic and racial justice. 
• Experience working with individuals with substance abuse, mental health, or domestic violence.
• Supervision experience.
• Fluency in a second language. 

Compensation Information: 

• $80,000 to $96,345 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. 

Application Submission: 

• Interested applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and references at https://mylegalaid.org/employment/ by 11/14/2025. 

If the above link directed you to our Career Page and you do not see the correct posting, we have paused or ended the application submission window.  

If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Megan Cook at mcook@mylegalaid.org. 

Please direct all other inquiries to hiring@mylegalaid.org.  

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and job security, may vary based on union status. Positions within our organization may be governed by collective bargaining agreements and union representation, while others are not.