Staff Attorney

Housing Staff Attorney

Position Type: ​Regular Full-Time​ ​Exempt​

Location: ​St. Cloud, MN 56301​

Introduction:

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) is seeking a full-time housing staff attorney for its St. Cloud office. This position provides a meaningful opportunity to work with a diverse population of people, including low-income families, to protect and advocate for the basic rights and needs of housing. The starting date will be negotiated based upon bar admission and office needs.

The successful candidate will work fully in the office during the training period to ensure comprehensive onboarding and integration into our processes. Upon completion of training, a hybrid work model will be offered, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work.

What’s in it for you?

• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.

• On Fridays, the office closes at noon, and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time.

• MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

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

• Work to identify and address systemic legal issues related to poverty and racism faced by the community served.

• Provide representation to tenants for their civil legal housing needs including but not limited to:

• Direct courtroom representation individually and through multi-county housing courts

• Advocate for clients' rights and ensure access to justice through direct advice and brief services

• Complex litigation

• Policy advocacy and community outreach

• Community education as necessary for client populations, projects, and office needs

• Provide support to co-workers on housing related and other civil legal matters.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Minnesota landlord-tenant law, housing law, and related civil legal procedures.

• Knowledge of courtroom practices, litigation processes, and rules of evidence.

• Knowledge of legal research methods and legal writing standards.

• Knowledge of issues affecting low-income individuals and families.

• Knowledge of barriers to justice faced by underserved communities.

• Knowledge of anti-discrimination laws, fair housing laws, and civil rights protections.

• Knowledge of community resources and services available to clients facing housing instability.

• Knowledge of principles related to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural responsiveness.

Skills

• Strong legal advocacy and client representation skills.

• Strong legal writing skills, including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence, and legal memoranda.

• Strong legal analysis and problem-solving skills.

• Effective legal research skills.

• Courtroom litigation and oral advocacy skills.

• Client interviewing and fact-gathering skills.

• Negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

• Community outreach and public education presentation skills.

• Policy advocacy skills.

• Ability to build and maintain community partnerships.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).