Litigation Director
Background: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Legal Aid) is an 8-office, 65-attorney, non-profit law firm providing free legal representation and advice to people with low incomes, people with disabilities, and to seniors. It provides these services in the following areas of law: housing, family, government benefits, disability, health, seniors, youth, consumer, immigration, and tax. Legal Aid receives funding from the federal government, the State of Minnesota, several local governments, the United Way, foundations, law firms, corporations, and individuals. It enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar. Legal Aid does not receive funds from the federal Legal Services Corporation.
Responsibilities: Legal Aid’s litigation practice includes representing clients in state and federal district courts, state and federal appellate courts, administrative agency hearings, and it includes class action litigation. Legal Aid has two Litigation Directors who work as a team in supporting litigation program-wide. The Litigation Director responsibilities include: teaching the full range of litigation skills; mentoring attorneys and advocates in developing litigation skills; developing litigation training (both for individuals and program-wide); assisting in identification of systemic changes susceptible to negotiation, litigation, and/or policy advocacy; leading litigation as first chair as needed; participation on Legal Aid’s management team; special projects as needed.
Starting date: As soon as possible after the position is filled.
Qualifications: Successfully fulfilling the above responsibilities will require the following skills and experience: strong litigation skills with a depth and breadth of litigation experience, including first-chair trial and appellate experience; demonstrated teaching and mentoring experience; strong teamwork and communication skills; the demonstrated ability to work across multiple substantive areas of law; the ability to identify systemic legal issues and creative solutions to multi-faceted legal problems; willingness to travel and work among Legal Aid’s offices in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Willmar; proficiency using technology in litigation.
Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of clients with low incomes and disabilities. A minimum of seven years’ litigation experience is required.
Applicants must be licensed in Minnesota or eligible for admission by reciprocity. Applicants with diverse economic, social, cultural experiences, or relevant language skills are encouraged to apply. Full time preferred, but will consider applicants to work a minimum of 80% time.
Applications should include a resume, a letter explaining interest in this position, and salary requirements. Resumes preferred by April 18, but will be accepted until the position is filled. Information should be submitted to http://bit.ly/100PDwU. MMLA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Salary: DOE. Benefits include family health insurance and liberal vacation benefits.