Staff Attorneys - Anoka or St. Cloud

Central Minnesota Legal Services; Anoka (MN); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

403(b) match

Pre-tax flexible spending accounts

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks Full-Time Staff Attorneys for Anoka and Saint Cloud offices, serving low-income clients in central Minnesota. Positions emphasize family law with opportunities in housing and public benefits, including hearings and outreach across nine counties. Hybrid weekly remote work is available; some travel to St.

Cloud area counties may be required. Starting at $80,002, DOE, with comprehensive benefits such as medical/dental, 403(b) match, pre-tax FSAs, and generous

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work constructively in a team.
• Ability to learn quickly and exercise good judgment in a litigation setting.
• Spanish or Somali language ability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Focus on family law with possibilities in housing and public benefits.
• Regular litigation and potential administrative hearings/appeals.
• Partner with local organizations to run advice clinics and engage in community outreach.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Judgment

Learning agility

Education

Minnesota Bar admission or candidacy

Job description

Full-Time Staff Attorney positions available in the Anoka and Saint Cloud offices.

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, 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.

Application

Preference for those that apply by November 30, 2026, but will accept applications until positions are filled.

No Phone Calls Please

Central Minnesota Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer