Staff Attorney

Mid Minnesota Legal Assistance; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in Minneapolis is seeking a full-time Immigration Staff Attorney to join the Immigration Law Project, providing representation in removal proceedings, adjustment of status, citizenship applications, and VAWA cases. The position supports a hybrid work environment and starts as soon as possible after offer.

We value compassionate, client-centered advocates and equal justice. The role includes outreach, clinic attendance, grant support, and maintaining a caseload across

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law or have taken the July 2026 bar exam.
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income/vulnerable clients.
• Demonstrated ability to represent clients with complicated and traumatic histories.

Responsibilities

• Provide full representation to individuals in immigration court in both detained and non-detained cases, including: preparing and submitting pleadings, motions, and appropriate applications for relief from removal; preparing clients, witnesses, and experts for individual hearings; submitting appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals when appropriate.
• Provide full representation to individuals in affirmative immigration cases, including: preparing and submitting applications to the USCIS; maintaining contact with clients throughout representation; provide legal advice to clients regarding options to apply for an immigration benefit; assess criminal records and advise clients on immigration consequences; prepare clients for interviews and submit appeals when appropriate.
• Conduct outreach to community members and organizations regarding Know Your Rights presentations, available legal services, and other immigration-related topics.
• Attend legal clinics to provide advice and brief services.
• Maintain a caseload with both court cases and benefits cases, analyzing each case and resolving legal issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain compliance with Legal Aid’s legal work protocols, grant requirements, and ethical obligations.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Spanish

Somali

Immigration law experience

Tools

Case management software

Job description

IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEYPosition Type: Regular Full-Time ExemptLocation: MinneapolisMid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA) is seeking a full-time staff attorney for its Minneapolis office as part of the Immigration Law Project (ILP). The ILP provides legal representation to clients in a full range of immigration contexts, including removal work, adjustment of status, applications for citizenship, and VAWA-based cases (U and T visas).Join a collaborative team dedicated to advancing access to justice for immigrant communities across Minnesota. We are seeking a compassionate, client-centered attorney who is committed to high-quality legal representation and community impact.This position allows for a hybrid work environment and will start as soon as possible after an offer is extended. As an equal opportunity employer, MMLA is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply. We welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goal of equal justice for all. We are committed to a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace.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.RESPONSIBILITIES:Apply the principles of MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions.Provide full representation to individuals in immigration court in both detained and non-detained cases, including:Preparing and submitting written pleadings, motions, and appropriate applications for relief from removal;Preparing clients, witnesses, and experts for individual hearings,Submitting appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals when appropriateProvide full representation to individuals in affirmative immigration cases, including:Preparing and submitting applications to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service;Maintaining contact with clients throughout representation;Provide legal advice to clients regarding options to apply for an immigration benefit;Assess criminal records and advise clients on immigration consequences;Prepare clients for interviews and submit appeals when appropriateConduct outreach to community members and organizations within our service area regarding Know Your Rights presentations, available legal services, and other immigration-related topics.Attend legal clinics, as needed, to provide advice and brief servicesAssist ILP in grant proposals, reports, and data maintenanceMaintain a caseload with both court cases and benefits cases, analyzing each case and resolving legal issues in a timely mannerMaintain compliance with Legal Aid’s legal work protocols, grant requirements, and ethical obligationsQUALIFICATIONS:Required Qualifications:Must be licensed to practice law or have taken the July 2026 bar exam.Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income/vulnerable clientsDemonstrated interest and ability to represent clients with complicated and traumatic historiesProficiency using Microsoft OfficePreferred Qualifications:Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiencesLanguage proficiency in Spanish or Somali, or other relevant language to the MN immigrant communityAt least two years of immigration law experience.Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.Legal training, knowledge of community resources, and experience with case management softwareAbility to collaborate with others while also working independentlyEfficient, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task demanding workload while balancing multiple priorities.Compensation Information:$80,000 to $87,273 per year depending on experience, plus benefits. Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off. We operate on a 4.5-day workweek, ending at noon on Fridays.Salary is based on relevant prior experience and aligned with our organizational salary matrix.For client-facing roles (e.g., attorneys, legal assistants, intake staff), fluency in a relevant non-English language or ASL may count as one additional year of experience. Fluency must be certified at Intermediate High or above, with sufficient oral and written skills to perform all job duties without an interpreter. Assessment is conducted by an external testing service.Application Submission:Interested candidates should submit their resume, references and cover letter at https://mylegalaid.org/employment by 10/26/2026.If the above link directed you to our Career Page and you do not see the correct posting, we have paused or ended the application submission window.If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Megan Cook at [e-mail] direct all other inquiries to [e-mail]-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity employer. The terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and job security, may vary based on union status. Positions within our organization may be governed by collective bargaining agreements and union representation, while others are not.