Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc., (SMRLS) is seeking to fill a staff attorney position in its Centralized Intake and Hotline Project. This position will be located in our downtown St. Paul office.

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 elderly 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 partnership with the private bar, a bi-partisan Legislature, the Minnesota Supreme Court and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs in providing access to justice. SMRLS has an experienced, dynamic staff of approximately 62 attorneys, 43 additional staff and 400 volunteer attorneys to 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 enable 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 abilities and circumstances permit. SMRLS values, welcomes and promotes diversity in all aspects of its work.

SMRLS has adopted Practice Standards and Guiding Principles to accomplish its Mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The staff attorney position in the Centralized Intake and Hotline Project involves working with other attorneys and staff to provide legal assistance to eligible clients residing in SMRLS’ thirty-three county service area in southern Minnesota. The position will primarily involve screening telephone applicants for eligibility and determining whether cases fit SMRLS’ Case Priorities. The position will also involve providing brief advice in family law, housing, government benefits, employment and consumer cases, primarily by phone. The attorney must accept supervision and fully comply with SMRLS’ written practice standards, guiding principles, timekeeping, federal regulations, and other SMRLS Board policies in furtherance of SMRLS’ Mission. Community involvement and active bar participation are also expected activities. Some local travel is required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or be a candidate for Bar admission. Non-academic experience working in low income communities, or other activities that demonstrate an interest in working with low income clients, are preferred and will be given great weight. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with battered women and persons from different cultural backgrounds is essential. 2-3 years of general practice or clinical experience will be required in order to provide brief advice to clients. Good communication skills; ability to work constructively with others in a team work setting; good judgment; ability to learn quickly and to work hard, independently, efficiently, and under pressure are required. Computer competence required.

SALARY: The salary is $50,008+ DOE. Very good medical benefits provided.

STARTING DATE: Open until filled.

Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to:

John Joachim
55 E. 5 th  St., Suite 800, St. Paul, MN 55101
or email materials to john.joachim@smrls.org

SMRLS IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE. WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.