March 19, 2008
Position Available: Staff Attorney-Family Law and Volunteer Attorney Coordinator - Apple Valley
Legal Assistance
of Dakota County, Ltd. (LADC) is seeking either a part time attorney specializing
in family law AND a part time attorney to coordinate the volunteer attorney
program OR one full time attorney to do both.
BACKGROUND
Legal Assistance of Dakota County, Ltd., is a non-profit law firm which
provides free legal help in civil matters, almost exclusively family law
matters, to low income people who reside in Dakota County. Founded in
1973, LADC has excellent relationships with the local bench, the private
bar, and other Minnesota Legal Service Coalition programs in providing
access to justice.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR EITHER POSITION
Poverty law experience and/or family law experience preferred. Experience
serving the needs of low income people, communities of color and/or immigrant/
refugee communities and persons from different cultural backgrounds. Good
communication skills, ability to work well with others, good judgment,
ability to learn quickly and ability to work well independently.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR STAFF ATTORNEY: Must be licensed to practice law in
Minnesota. One year of practice, clinical experience or judicial clerking
required. Spanish speaking a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Law school
graduate; need not be admitted to start the job but admission is required
for continued employment. Volunteer program experience.
VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES: Recruitment and retention
of volunteer attorneys to provide full representation and/or advice at
pro se clinic; case placement with volunteers and follow up; organization
of and/or provision of training and support to volunteers; record maintenance/statistical
and financial reporting; and planning and executing events to train and
recognize volunteers.
STAFF ATTORNEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide legal assistance on family law
matters to eligible clients though legal advice, representation in the
courts, and community education.
SALARY: The
salary is $38,500 FTE DOE. Employer paid health insurance for employee.
STARTING DATE: Open until filled.
DEADLINE
FOR APPLICATION: April 1, 2008.
RESUME TO: Katie Trotzky, Executive Director
Legal Assistance
of Dakota County, Ltd.
14800
Galaxie Avenue, Suite 103
Apple
Valley, MN 55124
or
FAX to 952-431-3202
LADC is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc., (SMRLS) is seeking to
fill a staff attorney position in its Southeast Region with offices in Albert
Lea, Rochester and Winona. This position is expected to be based in the
Rochester Office. The attorney will initially handle primarily family and
some housing cases.
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 58 attorneys,
45 additional staff and 800 volunteer attorneys to provide legal assistance
to 208,000 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.
The SMRLS Southeastern Region, with offices in Albert Lea, Winona, and Rochester,
has a staff of 7 attorneys and 10 paralegals, clerical and other staff.
Rochester is located, about 75 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. It is
an increasingly diverse community and is home of the Mayo Clinic.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The staff attorney position in the Southeastern Region involves working with other attorneys and staff to provide legal assistance to eligible clients residing in the 11 counties of southeastern Minnesota, especially Rice, Goodhue, and Olmsted counties. The position will involve primarily family and some housing law cases. Responsibilities may also include government benefits and other areas of law. The position may combine more than one specialty and assignments may change over time, based upon client and office needs. 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 education, outreach, intake responsibilities, 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. 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; and ability to effectively handle contested hearings are required. Spanish or Somali language skills preferred. Computer competence required.
SALARY: The salary is $38,500+ DOE. Excellent medical benefits provided.
STARTING DATE: Open until filled.
Submit
resumes with references to:
Bob Youngerman, Sr. Leadership Attorney
SMRLS
66 E. 3rd St., Ste. 204
Winona, MN 55987-3478
SMRLS IS AN ANTI-RACIST LAW FIRM. IT IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE. WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
SMRLS is seeking an attorney for a one year grant funded position in its St. Paul, Minnesota office. The position will focus on serving the civil legal needs of low-income tenants in foreclosed rental housing. This position will serve eligible clients in the 5 metro counties served by SMRLS.
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 bipartisan legislature, the Supreme Court and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs in providing access to justice. SMRLS has an experienced, dynamic staff of approximately 54 attorneys, 45 additional staff and 500 volunteer attorneys to provide legal assistance to 208,000 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; to maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse; and to empower persons and ensure equal opportunity, thus, helping persons to help themselves and to become economically self-reliant. SMRLS values, welcomes, and promotes diversity in all aspects of its work. SMRLS has adopted practice expectations and guiding principles to accomplish its mission.
Responsibilities: To provide legal assistance on housing matters to eligible clients in Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Carver and Scott Counties. The services provided include but are not limited to legal advice, representation in the courts and before administrative agencies, community education, outreach and private bar activities. The attorney will be expected to take on such other administrative responsibilities that SMRLS’ leadership shall direct from time-to-time. The attorney must accept supervision and fully comply with SMRLS written practice standards, guiding principles, and other SMRLS Board policies in furtherance of SMRLS’ Mission.
Qualifications: Must be licensed to practice in Minnesota. Experience in housing or poverty law preferred. Non-academic experiences, particularly, working in a low-income community setting and background or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to and experience in working with communities of color, in particular, are preferred and will be given great weight. The ability to respect and relate to low-income persons, public speaking ability, good writing skills, ability to work constructively with a wide variety of persons, initiative, flexibility, good judgment, ability to learn quickly, ability to work hard and independently and under pressure are required.
Position
Open: April 1, 2008.
Salary:
$38,500 and up D.O.E., pursuant to scale.
Submit
cover letter and resume to:
Maria L. Giese
SMRLS - Administrative Unit
166 E. 4th Street, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55101
SMRLS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES
AND HANDICAPPED PERSONS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
SMRLS is seeking a housing paralegal for a one year grant funded project in its St. Paul, Minnesota office. The position will primarily focus on serving the civil legal needs of low-income tenants facing foreclosure of their rental housing.
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 bipartisan Legislature, the Supreme Court, and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs in providing access to justice. SMRLS has an experienced, dynamic staff of approximately 54 attorneys, 45 additional staff, and 500 volunteer attorneys to provide legal assistance to 208,000 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; to maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse; and to empower persons and ensure equal opportunity---thus helping persons to help themselves and to become economically self-reliant. SMRLS values, welcomes, and promotes diversity in all aspects of its work. SMRLS has adopted practice expectations and guiding principles to accomplish its mission.
Responsibilities: The position involves assisting SMRLS’ attorneys and volunteer attorneys in the provision of legal assistance and community, preventative law and community education activities for low-income persons. The primary emphasis of this position will be to assist on cases in SMRLS’ metro 5-county region, but persons filling this position may be called upon to assist with cases in Rochester or Mankato. Working under the supervision and direction of attorneys, duties will include: document preparation, correspondence, client/witness interviews, record requests, and other support/investigative duties. This will include responding to both client and volunteer attorney calls and requests for assistance, correspondence, and otherwise assisting with client matters. Other duties include: reliable attendance, timekeeping, collaboration with public and private organizations, work with volunteer attorneys, community education, empowerment and preventative law activities, and other duties, as assigned. Local travel will be required.
Responsibilities for the position will likely shift from time to time, depending on client and SMRLS’ needs.
Qualifications: Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work professionally, respectfully, and constructively with others in a team-work setting, good judgement, ability to learn quickly, to work hard, efficiently, independently, under pressure, and to have excellent attendance are required. Demonstrated ability to work with persons from different cultural backgrounds is essential. Ability to work in a professional law office, including meeting the professional responsibilities which apply to the practice of law and ability to follow SMRLS’ Practice Standards and Guiding Principles, are required. Experience working in low-income communities, or other activities that demonstrate an interest in working with low-income persons from diverse backgrounds, are preferred and will be given great weight. Spanish, Somali, or Southeast Asian language skills are preferred. Computer competence required.
Position Open: April 1, 2008. Salary: $24,225+ D.O.E.
Submit
cover letter and resume to:
Maria L. Giese
SMR LS - Administrative Unit
166 E. 4th St., Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55101
SMRLS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES AND HANDICAPPED PERSONS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
POSITION: The Housing Preservation Project seeks a full-time staff attorney to work on its Foreclosure Relief Law Project. This is a one year, grant-funded position with the possibility of continuation funding.
BACKGROUND: The Housing Preservation Project, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization whose primary mission is to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. The Foreclosure Relief Law Project was started in July 2007 in response to the current foreclosure crisis. Its mission is to develop impact legal strategies to prevent foreclosures, ameliorate the affects of foreclosures, and hold persons accountable who are responsible for causing foreclosures.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities include: screening cases for Truth in Lending Act violations and other legal claims as part of the Minnesota Foreclosure Defense Task Force, developing legal strategies for cities and counties to convert vacant housing into owner-occupied or rental property, complex litigation, policy advocacy and community education as appropriate.
Salary: DOQ. The Housing Preservation Project offers a competitive salary and a generous benefit package. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or any other factors prohibited by applicable law.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants may have zero to four years experience, and must be admitted
to practice law in Minnesota or eligible for admission under the special
practice rule. Applicants should also have: (1) a demonstrated interest
in and commitment to the needs of low-income clients, housing law, and consumer
issues; (2) excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills; and
(3) creativity. Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences, and relevant
language skills, are a plus.
STARTING DATE: April 1 or as soon as possible after the position is filled.
APPLICATIONS:
Email resume with cover letter and references to: meriksmoen@hppinc.org
or mail to
Housing
Preservation Project
Attention: Marit Eriksmoen
570 Asbury St. Suite 105
St. Paul, MN 55104
Pro Bono Development Director Position (full-time; exempt)
The Minnesota State Bar Association is looking for an attorney to manage and oversee aspects of its pro bono effort; MN State Bar Foundation; and Wills For Heroes Program. Please visit the Public Services area of www.mnbar.org to access information about MN Legal Services Coalition, MN State Bar Foundation, projusticemn.org, and the Wills For Heroes icon on the right side bar for more information about this program.
The primary responsibilities for this position are as follows:
increasing the number of attorneys volunteering for pro bono work;
increasing visibility and raising public awareness of attorney pro bono efforts;
assisting providers, such as MN Legal Services Coalition, to develop and operate local volunteer attorney programs;
serving as co-staff liaison to the Legal Assistance to the Disadvantaged Committee (LAD);
writing LSAC/LTAB grant proposal for the MN Volunteer Attorney Program (MVAP);
identifying fundraising opportunities for (MVAP);
developing work plan and budget with local volunteer attorney programs, LAD, and MVAP Board;
managing MVAP budget process to ensure compliance with state and federal filings;
developing and managing fund raising efforts for the MN State Bar Foundation;
handling all support aspects of the MN State Bar Foundation;
serving other pro bono-related programs and working with other staff;
coordinating aspects of the Wills for Heroes program, including staffing off-site evening and Saturday clinics.
The successful candidate should be familiar with the legal community; have experience setting and achieving goals, fund raising and tracking, grant writing, managing projects and events, working with volunteers, and serving on boards or committees in leadership or support capacities. Familiarity with MN pro bono programs and legal service providers as well as experience planning events and meetings are pluses. Communication and attention to detail are important aspects of this position. The successful candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to communicate necessary, timely information to coworkers and volunteers. Because this person does not have an assistant, the person must be have good working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel. In addition, the person must have the ability to work pre-scheduled evening and early morning hours, occasionally work more than 40 hours per week, and travel to meetings held away from the office.
Please forward resume to HR Director, MSBA, 600 Nicollet Mall, #380, Minneapolis, MN 55402 or to dplachecki@mnbar.org. Position is open until filled. The annual salary is up to $60,000. This position has benefits. The MSBA is an equal opportunity employer.
Position Available: Part-Time Paralegal - St. Cloud
Part Time Paralegal - Central Minnesota Legal Services
Part-time paralegal for 2-year special project. Service work with domestic violence survivors. Experience in family law and government benefits a plus. Duties include client intake, drafting legal documents and referrals to com. servs. Travel required. Valid MN driver’s license and own vehicle required. Travel reimbursed. Salary D.O.E. up to year 5 on CMLS salary scale. Send resume to Sarah Shella-Stevens, Managing Attorney, CMLS, 830 West St. Germain, #309, P.O. Box 1598, St. Cloud, MN 56302. App. deadline: Mar. 31, 2008 or until filled. EOE.
Position Available: Visiting Clinical Faculty - St. Paul
The University of St. Thomas Law School Legal Services Clinic (LSC) has an opening for a one year Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor in its Immigration Law Practice Group (ILPG) for the 2008-2009 academic year. The visiting professor will supervise and teach certified law students charged with representing clients before the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration Court. The ILPG is a semester long offering of six credits. Normal enrollment is six students. Additionally, two to three advanced clinic students are typically enrolled for two or three credits.
The Immigration Law Practice Group will be staffed primarily by the visiting clinical faculty member and an office administrator. It is one of three practice groups in the Legal Services Clinic, the other two being the Community Justice Project and the Elder Law Practice Group. The Legal Services Clinic also forms a part of the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services (IPC). Social Work Services and Psychological Services comprise the other components of the IPC. Great emphasis is placed on collaborating across practice groups and working with the other professions in the IPC. In addition to teaching classes specific to the ILPG, the visiting professor will be expected to participate in team teaching joint classes with the other elements of the IPC. For more information about the IPC, see www.stthomas.edu/ipc.
Benefits are competitive and salary is commensurate with experience.
Qualifications
include:
Visiting Faculty will be licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota.
They must demonstrate a commitment to public service and social justice.
Experience in immigration law and procedure required.
Successful candidates should have previous experience in public interest law, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent oral advocacy and writing skills. Commitment to the Mission Statement of the School of Law and Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services Clinic is essential.
Established in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is located in the major metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and is Minnesota's largest private university. Its 11,000 students pursue degrees in a wide range of liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs.
Inspired
by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates
students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely,
and work skillfully to advance the common good, and seeks to develop individuals
who combine career competency with cultural awareness and intellectual
curiosity. The successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals
of this mission.
The University of St. Thomas has a strong commitment to the principles
of diversity and inclusion, to equal opportunity policies and practices,
and to the principles and goals of affirmative action. In that spirit
the University strongly encourages applications from women, persons of
color, and persons with disabilities.
Please apply
online at http://jobs.stthomas.edu
or click
here.
