POSITION:  Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Legal Aid) seeks a full-time attorney for the Senior Law Project in its Minneapolis office.  The Project is focused on using legal representation and advocacy to protect the rights of seniors age 60 and over. 

Legal Aid’s mission is to advocate for the legal rights of disadvantaged people to have safe, healthy, and independent lives in their communities.  Legal Aid provides free civil legal representation to clients with low incomes and seniors throughout 21 counties in central Minnesota, and to people with disabilities throughout the state.  Legal Aid is supported by funding from the State of Minnesota, the federal government, local governments, the United Way, foundations, local law firms and corporations, etc.  Legal Aid enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar.  Legal Aid does not receive funds from the Legal Services Corporation.

The Senior Law Project serves seniors age 60 and older in Hennepin and Anoka county in a variety of civil legal cases.  The attorney’s responsibilities will include advising and representing individual clients in housing law matters including assisted living and nursing home discharge, consumer law matters, government benefits including social security insurance and food support, medical benefits including Medical Assistance and Medicare, and limited third party custody actions.  Many senior cases are shared with attorneys in other MMLA departments, especially the Housing and the Immigration units, and there is opportunity for interdisciplinary training.  Senior Law Project attorneys are conversant in elements of estate planning and discuss health care directives and power of attorney forms with clients.  The Senior Law Project also supports a monthly community wills clinic and two senior center clinics.  The attorney will participate in administrative hearings, litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach/education as appropriate to meet client needs.  The Senior Law Project’s priorities are set toward the basic and fundamental goals of housing stability, income stability, and services stability and are targeted towards the socially and economically isolated seniors in the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The attorney’s responsibilities will include advising clients and representing them in a variety of court and administrative forums.  The attorney will also have the opportunity to engage in policy advocacy, to provide training for seniors and advocates, and to assist with community outreach/education as appropriate to client needs. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicants must be licensed in Minnesota or eligible for immediate admission by reciprocity.  Applicants must also have:

1)     Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients;

2)     Commitment to working as a team member to serve client needs;

3)     A desire to appear in court and administrative proceedings to litigate client rights;

4)     Excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills; and

5)     Proficiency using Microsoft Windows and Office.

Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences and relevant language skills are pluses.

SALARY:  Up to year fifteen on Legal Aid’s salary schedule ($51,000 to $66,478) depending on experience.  Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life, and short/long-term disability insurance.

STARTING DATE:  As soon as possible after position is filled. 

APPLICATIONS:  Submit cover letter, resume, three job-related references, and a writing sample online at:  https://mylegalaid.org/employment by Monday, June 29, 2020, or until position is filled.