Legal Assistant - Pro Bono Project

 

POSITION: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Legal Aid) seeks a full-time legal assistant or paralegal for the Pro Bono Project in its Minneapolis office. The position will support both legal work and program development in various areas of the law and will include both litigation and outreach. The Pro Bono Project is focused on working with private attorneys who provide free legal representation to clients in several different legal practice areas including housing, immigration, homeownership, disability law, and others.

 

Legal Aid’s mission is to advocate for the legal rights of disadvantaged people to have safe, healthy, and independent lives in their communities. Legal Aid provides free civil legal representation to clients with low incomes and seniors throughout 21 counties in central Minnesota, and to people with disabilities throughout the state. Legal Aid is supported by funding from the State of Minnesota, the federal government, local governments, the United Way, foundations, local law firms and corporations, etc. Legal Aid enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar. Legal Aid does not receive funds from the Legal Services Corporation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The position will help support and manage the Pro Bono Project in which private attorneys volunteer through MMLA to represent clients in various areas of the law. Responsibilities include support of volunteer attorneys in litigation, interaction with clients, and case investigation, including researching court and/or property records, e-filing and e-serving through the various court systems. The successful applicant will help volunteer attorneys prepare for hearings; aid in drafting, editing and proofreading court filings; obtain and manage case information; and work directly with clients regarding their legal issues. 

The legal assistant will also assist with project development, organization, and management, including communicating with volunteer attorneys; developing and implementing processes; creating and maintaining a database of attorneys and projects; generating reports; and serving as a point of contact for volunteer attorneys. It is expected that in the future the position will include participating in and assisting with legal clinics throughout the community.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients. Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills, good time-management skills, be self-motivated, highly organized, and work well under pressure. Proficiency using Microsoft Office and Windows is required. 

Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences are pluses. Proficiency in a second language is a plus, especially Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, or Arabic.

SALARY: Full-time starting salary for the position is $32,569 to $42,168, depending on experience. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, parental leave, family medical, life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance.

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible after position is filled. 

 

APPLICATIONS:  Submit cover letter, resume, three job-related references, and a writing sample online at www.mylegalaid.org/employment by Friday, July 10, 2020, or until the position is filled. No calls please.