Staff Attorney - 80,002/yr, DOE

AgUpdate; Anoka (MN); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

33.75-hour week

Excellent benefits

Poverty law focus

Job summary

Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks a Staff Attorney to handle primarily family law cases and related poverty-law matters in Anoka or St. Cloud. The role involves regular litigation, potential hearings, and collaboration with community partners.

Second language skills are a plus in serving diverse clients. Starting salary is $80,002 per year with excellent benefits. The position offers a hybrid schedule in a nonprofit setting, with travel as needed across service counties.

Qualifications

• Commitment to marginalized communities and poverty-related issues.
• Experience in family law preferred.
• Poverty-law litigation or clinical experience a plus.
• Licensed to practice in Minnesota or candidate for Bar admission.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish or Somali) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Focus on family law with potential in housing and public benefits.
• Regular litigation; may include administrative hearings and appeals.
• Partner with local organizations to run advice clinics.
• Participate in community legal education and outreach; some work may be remote.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Diversity & inclusion

Bilingual (Spanish/Somali)

Job description

Staff Attorney - Central Minnesota Legal Services – Anoka or St. Cloud Office

Open Full-Time Staff Attorney positions, primarily practicing family law, includes other poverty law issues. Demonstrated commitment to marginalized communities experiencing poverty preferred. Second language a plus. Starting wages: $80,002, D.O.E. Excellent benefits.

Work 33.75-hour hybrid work week.

Background

CMLS is a four-office nonprofit law firm providing free legal representation to low-income clients in 21 counties throughout central Minnesota. CMLS’ mission is to increase access to justice by providing high-quality legal services to individuals experiencing poverty, challenging inequities, and empowering community members to participate in our civil legal system. There are multiple positions available in the Anoka and St. Cloud offices. The position in Anoka serves Anoka County. The positions in the St. Cloud office serve Itasca, Chisago, Mille Lacs, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Morrison, Todd, and Wright counties.

CMLS is funded primarily by a grant from the Legal Services Corporation. CMLS also has other funding sources, including Minnesota’s Board of Civil Legal Aid statutory funding for Anoka County, to provide civil legal services to other low-income populations in its service area. CMLS enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar and the local judiciary.

Responsibilities

The positions will focus primarily on family law, with possibilities for practice in legal areas within CMLS priorities such as housing and public benefits. These positions will involve regular litigation and could include administrative hearings and appeals. The attorneys will also partner with local supportive organizations to administer advice clinics. The office has a commitment to service work, including community legal education and community outreach. These activities may take place in-person or remotely. Travel may be required for the St. Cloud position throughout the nine counties served by the St. Cloud office of CMLS.

Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the problems of marginalized communities and individuals experiencing poverty.

Prior experience with family law preferred.

Poverty law litigation experience or law school clinical experience is a plus.

Candidates should be licensed to practice law in Minnesota or be a candidate for Bar admission.

Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.

Ability to speak a second language, particularly Spanish or Somali, is a plus.

Demonstrated commitment to furthering principles of inclusion and belonging, and ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds are essential. 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 community. Must have strong communication skills, ability to work constructively in a team setting, exhibit good judgment, ability to learn quickly and work independently, and be able to effectively handle contested hearings.

Salary & Benefits

Starting at $80,002 per year, D.O.E. pursuant to the CMLS salary schedule. Excellent benefits including medical and dental insurance (including dependent coverage), 403(b) match, pre-tax flexible spending accounts for health care, dependent care, and commute, generous vacation and sick leave. Remote work is available in a hybrid weekly schedule. 33.75-hour work week.

Starting Date

Negotiable. Applications preferred by November 20, 2026.

No Phone Calls Please

Central Minnesota Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer