Job Announcement

POSITION: Staff Attorney

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc., (SMRLS) is seeking to fill one or more staff attorney positions in its Southwest Region. The filling of the position(s) is dependent upon funding availability. The position(s) will likely specialize initially in housing law, government benefits appeals, and health law.
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 50 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 Southwestern Region, with offices in Mankato and Worthington, has a staff of 9 attorneys and 9 paralegal, clerical and other staff. Mankato is located on the Minnesota River, about 90 miles southwest of the Twin Cities and has a state university. It is the regional hub for an estimated 260,000 persons in southern Minnesota. Worthington is located on Interstate 90 in the southwest corner of Minnesota, approximately 100 miles southwest of Mankato. The Worthington community of approximately 11,000 persons is located on Lake Okabena and is the site of a community college.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The staff attorney position(s) in the Southwestern Region involves working with other attorneys, staff and volunteers to provide legal assistance to eligible clients residing in 17 counties of southwestern Minnesota. The position(s) will likely specialize initially in housing law, government benefits appeals, and health law. The position(s) 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 requirements, 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 expected.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or be a candidate for Bar admission. May 2009 law school graduates will be considered. 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 respectfully and constructively with others in a team work setting; good judgment; ability to learn quickly and to work hard, independently, and under pressure; and ability to effectively handle contested case hearings are required. Language skills in Spanish, Somali or other non-English languages commonly spoken in the local community are preferred. Computer competence required. Professional overtime on the job is required.

SALARY: The salary is $43,000 DOE. Very good fringe benefits.
STARTING DATE: Open until filled.

Submit resumes with references to:
Larry Nicol, Senior Leadership Attorney
SMRLS
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304

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