Staff Attorney

IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEY

Position Type: Regular Full-Time Exempt

Location: Minneapolis

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA) is seeking a full-time staff attorney for its Minneapolis office as part of the Immigration Law Project (ILP). The ILP provides legal representation to clients in a full range of immigration contexts, including removal work, adjustment of status, applications for citizenship, and VAWA-based cases (U and T visas).

Join a collaborative team dedicated to advancing access to justice for immigrant communities across Minnesota. We are seeking a compassionate, client-centered attorney who is committed to high-quality legal representation and community impact.

This position allows for a hybrid work environment and will start as soon as possible after an offer is extended. As an equal opportunity employer, MMLA is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply. We welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goal of equal justice for all. We are committed to a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace. 

Why MMLA?

• We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all!

• Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change our lives together.

• Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and it is critical that we incorporate these values into all aspects of our work. We recognize the particular and highly detrimental impact of racism — and of Minnesota’s racial disparities — on MMLA’s clients and staff. We, therefore, devote special attention to issues of racial justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Apply the principles of MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions. 

• Provide full representation to individuals in immigration court in both detained and non-detained cases, including:

• Preparing and submitting written pleadings, motions, and appropriate applications for relief from removal;

• Preparing clients, witnesses, and experts for individual hearings,

• Submitting appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals when appropriate 

• Provide full representation to individuals in affirmative immigration cases, including:

• Preparing and submitting applications to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; 

• Maintaining contact with clients throughout representation; 

• Provide legal advice to clients regarding options to apply for an immigration benefit;

• Assess criminal records and advise clients on immigration consequences;

• Prepare clients for interviews and submit appeals when appropriate  

• Conduct outreach to community members and organizations within our service area regarding Know Your Rights presentations, available legal services, and other immigration-related topics.

• Attend legal clinics, as needed, to provide advice and brief services

• Assist ILP in grant proposals, reports, and data maintenance  

• Maintain a caseload with both court cases and benefits cases, analyzing each case and resolving legal issues in a timely manner 

• Maintain compliance with Legal Aid’s legal work protocols, grant requirements, and ethical obligations   

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required Qualifications: 

• Must be licensed to practice law or have taken the July 2026 bar exam. 

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients 

• Demonstrated interest and ability to represent clients with complicated and traumatic histories  

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences  

• Language proficiency in Spanish or Somali, or other relevant language to the MN immigrant community  

• At least two years of immigration law experience.

• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Legal training, knowledge of community resources, and experience with case management software 

• Ability to collaborate with others while also working independently

• Efficient, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task demanding workload while balancing multiple priorities.

 

Compensation Information:

• $80,000 to $87,273 per year depending on experience, plus benefits. Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off. We operate on a 4.5-day workweek, ending at noon on Fridays.   

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