What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Justice North?
Organization
Justice North is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals across northern Minnesota. Formed through the merger of Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota and Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Justice North serves clients in both urban and rural communities with a commitment to equity, dignity, and access to justice.
We provide a full range of poverty law services and partner closely with community organizations, courts, and service providers to help clients achieve safety, stability, and long-term solutions to legal problems.
Position Summary
Justice North seeks a Staff Attorney to serve clients in the north central region of Minnesota, an area that has been historically underserved and remains a top organizational priority. This position provides direct civil legal services to eligible clients across Justice North’s north central service area.
Justice North strongly prefers candidates who live in one of the following counties: Douglas, Otter Tail, Grant, Stevens, Pope, Stearns, Wadena, or Todd. The Staff Attorney will be assigned to Justice North’s regional office in Alexandria, which will serve as the attorney’s primary base for in-person work, collaboration, and supervision.
While some work may be completed remotely, a consistent physical presence in the Alexandria office is required, including court appearances, client meetings, outreach, and collaboration with community partners. Specific geographic coverage will be discussed during the hiring process and finalized at the time of offer.
North central Minnesota offers the opportunity to build a meaningful legal career while enjoying a high quality of life. From lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation to close-knit communities and shorter commutes, the region combines professional impact with personal balance. Attorneys in this region have the chance to become trusted community partners, develop broad and deep legal skills, and see the direct impact of their work on individuals and families. For those relocating, Justice North offers support to help make the transition successful.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Staff Attorneys manage an assigned caseload and provide high-quality civil legal services to eligible clients across a range of poverty law matters, including family law, orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, housing and eviction defense, consumer law, public benefits, elder law, and other civil legal issues consistent with Justice North’s priorities.
Staff Attorneys represent clients in district court, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; conduct legal research; and apply legal analysis to support effective advocacy and client-centered outcomes. In addition to direct representation, Staff Attorneys participate in community legal education, outreach activities, and legal clinics, and collaborate with courts, community organizations, and other justice system partners.
Staff Attorneys provide direction and appropriate task delegation to support staff as needed, comply with timekeeping requirements and all applicable federal regulations, and organizational policies, and demonstrate reliable and timely attendance. The position may also include participation in special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor degree and be licensed to practice law in Minnesota, eligible for admission by motion or reciprocity, or willing to take the next scheduled Minnesota Bar Examination. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to serving clients with disabilities and low-income, vulnerable clients, as well as the ability to holistically screen clients for multiple, intersecting legal issues.
Strong oral and written advocacy skills, sound professional judgment, excellent communication skills, and effective time-management are required. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team is essential. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, be insurable with Justice North’s carrier, and be willing to travel within the service area.
Experience in poverty law or related practice areas and experience working in rural or geographically dispersed communities are preferred but not required.
Working Conditions
This position is hybrid/remote with required in-person office days, court appearances, outreach, meetings, and community-based work. Regular travel within the north central service area is required, along with occasional evening, weekend, or early morning hours.
Compensation and Benefits
Justice North offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a range of $80,000–$110,000, and an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; exceptionally generous paid time off; paid federal holidays; and relocation assistance for candidates who choose to move to the region.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references by August 7th through BambooHR at this link:
https://justicenorth.bamboohr.com/careers/75
Justice North is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Justice North is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Justice North is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the application or hiring process may contact Justice North Human Resources.