Staff Attorney

Job Announcement

Position Title: Staff Attorney

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Supervising Attorney

Location: North Central Minnesota (must reside in one of the following counties: Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, or Wadena)

Work Arrangement: Hybrid with required in-person work

Salary Range: $80,000–$110,000, depending on experience

Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates

Justice North is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals across northern Minnesota. Formed through the merger of Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota and Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Justice North serves clients in both urban and rural communities with a commitment to equity, dignity, and access to justice.

We provide a full range of poverty law services and partner closely with community organizations, courts, and service providers to help clients achieve safety, stability, and long-term solutions to legal problems.

Justice North seeks a Staff Attorney to serve clients in the north central region of Minnesota, an area that has been historically underserved and remains a top organizational priority. This position provides direct civil legal services to eligible clients across Justice North’s north central service area.

The Staff Attorney must reside in one of the following counties:
Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, or Wadena. Office assignment will be determined based on the attorney’s county of residence and will align with one of Justice North’s regional offices in Grand Rapids, Bemidji, or Brainerd. The assigned office will serve as the attorney’s primary base for in-person work, collaboration, and supervision.

While some work may be completed remotely, a consistent physical presence in the region is required, including court appearances, client meetings, outreach, and collaboration with community partners. Specific geographic coverage and office assignment will be discussed during the hiring process and finalized at the time of offer.

North central Minnesota offers the opportunity to build a meaningful legal career while enjoying a high quality of life. From lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation to close-knit communities and shorter commutes, the region combines professional impact with personal balance. Attorneys in this region have the chance to become trusted community partners, develop broad and deep legal skills, and see the direct impact of their work on individuals and families.

For those relocating, Justice North offers support to help make the transition successful.

• Manage an assigned caseload and provide high-quality civil legal services to eligible clients across a range of poverty law matters, including family law, orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, housing and eviction defense, consumer law, public benefits, elder law, and other civil legal issues consistent with Justice North’s priorities.
• Represent clients in court, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; conduct legal research; and apply legal analysis to support effective advocacy and client-centered outcomes.
• Participate in community legal education, outreach activities, and legal clinics, and collaborate with courts, community organizations, and other justice system partners.
• Provide direction and appropriate task delegation to support staff as needed; comply with timekeeping requirements and all applicable federal regulations, and organizational policies, and demonstrate reliable and timely attendance.
• May also include participation in special projects as assigned.

Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor degree and be licensed to practice law in Minnesota, eligible for admission by motion or reciprocity, or willing to take the next scheduled Minnesota Bar Examination.

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to serving clients with disabilities and low-income, vulnerable clients, as well as the ability to holistically screen clients for multiple, intersecting legal issues.

Strong oral and written…