Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS) is seeking to fill an elder law attorney position in its Metro Region, with case responsibility in the Southwest Region also.  The position will be housed in either St. Paul or Mankato, MN

SMRLS is a non-profit law firm which receives federal, state, local, public and private funding to provide free legal help to low-income and older people who reside in 33 counties of southern Minnesota. As Minnesota’s oldest legal aid program (founded in 1909), SMRLS has established a tradition of partnering with the private bar, a bi-partisan legislature, the Minnesota Supreme Court and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs to provide access to justice. SMRLS has an experienced, dynamic staff and volunteer attorneys which provide legal assistance to over 200,000 eligible persons.

SMRLS is a client-centered organization which is committed to its mission of providing a full range of high quality legal services, in a respectful manner, which enables clients to enforce their legal rights, maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse; and empower persons and ensure equal opportunity, thus helping persons to help themselves and become economically self-reliant, to the extent their individual ability and circumstances permit. SMRLS values, welcomes and promotes diversity in all aspects of its work. SMRLS has adopted practice standards, guiding principles, and racial justice policies to accomplish its mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide legal representation to elder law clients on critical legal issues under Title III-B of the Older Americans Act. Perform outreach and community legal education for older residents throughout SMRLS’ service area. The attorney should be trained, or willing to be trained, in nursing home discharge cases, Medicaid for long-term care, and other issues unique to people over 60.  Training in ethical issues most prevalent in elder law issues preferred. The attorney must be willing to maintain a caseload in compliance with SMRLS’ written practice standards and observe SMRLS’ policies, practices and guiding principles in furtherance of SMRLS’ mission. Intake responsibilities and active bar participation are also required activities. Willingness to accept supervision and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or sitting for Minnesota summer 2021 bar exam. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with low-income clients, people with disabilities, victims of domestic abuse, and persons of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds is essential. Excellent communication skills, ability to work positively and constructively with others in a teamwork setting, good judgment, and the ability to work hard, independently, efficiently and under pressure is necessary. Applicants must be flexible and willing to take on additional duties as assigned by SMRLS. Must be willing and able to travel to court proceedings, outreach/education activities, and other SMRLS-required events throughout SMRLS’ service area. Computer competence is necessary.

SALARY

Starting salary of $50,008+ DOE and according to scale.  Good benefits provided.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

May 15, 2021. Late applications may be considered until position is filled.

Please apply online or submit cover letter, resume and references to:

John Joachim

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

55 East Fifth Street, Suite 800

Saint Paul, MN 55101-1473

john.joachim@smrls.org 

SMRLS is committed to diversity in the workplace. Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.