Job Opportunities

Position Overview 

The Metro Senior Leadership Attorney provides strategic leadership and oversight for SMRLS’ Metro Region. This position is responsible for supervising and supporting legal and administrative staff across metro-area offices, practice areas, and the Volunteer Attorney Program, while advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring high-quality, client-centered legal services. 

The Senior Leadership Attorney reports to the Director of Business Administration and works directly with the Executive Team. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Regional Leadership and Oversight 

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for attorneys, paralegals, and support staff across the Metro Region. 

• Promote a one law firm culture by aligning regional operations with organization-wide priorities and initiatives. 

• Regularly communicate and meet with the Executive Team, providing operational insights, recommendations, and regional perspectives to support organizational decision-making and strategic initiatives. 

• Foster collaboration across offices, practice groups, the Volunteer Attorney Program, and administrative departments. 

• Ensure delivery of high-quality, client-centered legal services across all practice areas. 

2. Supervision and Staff Management 

• Supervise and mentor staff at varying experience levels, supporting case strategy, professional development, and adherence to ethical and regulatory requirements. 

• Hold staff accountable for performance expectations, including workload management, timekeeping, and professional conduct. 

• Partner with Metro supervisors to develop and implement performance goals and evaluations. 

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. 

3. Program and Practice Leadership 

• Provide leadership on case strategy, systemic advocacy, and impact litigation to maximize client outcomes. 

• Collaborate with litigation and practice support units to advance organizational priorities and initiatives. 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including LSC requirements, organizational policies, and professional standards. 

• Maintain a modest caseload to remain connected to direct client services. 

4. Operations and Office Management 

• Oversee metro office operations, including facilities, safety, and administrative processes. 

• Partner with executive leadership on space planning, lease management, and resource allocation. 

• Support efficient and effective service delivery models across offices. 

5. Staff Development and Training 

• Lead professional development efforts for attorneys and staff, including mentoring and career growth planning. 

• Work with Human Resources to support supervisor development in hiring, onboarding, evaluations, and corrective action. 

• Identify training needs and implement ongoing learning opportunities. 

6. External Relations and Community Engagement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, courts, and stakeholders. 

• Serve as an organizational ambassador within the metro-area legal and nonprofit communities. 

• Participate in bar associations and professional networks. 

• Support and expand pro bono and volunteer engagement efforts. 

Required Qualifications 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) and licensed to practice law in Minnesota in good standing. 

• Minimum of ten (10) years of legal experience, including litigation or administrative experience. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising attorneys and legal staff. 

• Strong mentoring and staff development skills. 

• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and diverse communities. 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. 

• Strong technology skills and comfort with case management systems. 

• Ability to travel locally within the metro service area as required. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience using data, metrics, and reporting to guide program decisions. 

• Understanding of nonprofit legal services and grant-funded programs preferred. 

Starting Date:  As soon as possible.  Position open until filled.  

Rate of Pay:  $132,406 (with 10 year’s experience) +DOE 

How to Apply:  Send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to: 

john.joachim@smrls.org  

John Joachim 

SMRLS 

445 Minnesota St, Ste 1800

Saint Paul MN  55101 

SMRLS IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORKERS, REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER, DISABILITY OR OTHER PROTECTED CLASS STATUS. SMRLS IS COMMITTED TO COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 

Position Overview

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), a non-profit law firm which provides free legal help to low-income individuals, is currently hiring a fulltime staff attorney for the Southwest Minnesota Region. SMRLS is looking for qualified candidates to provide a full range of high-quality legal services, in a respectful manner which enables our clients to enforce their legal rights.

This position is officed out of either SMRLS's Mankato or Worthington office.  Remote work 3 days a week is allowable.  Applicants with significant commutes needing a flexible remote work opportunity are encouraged to apply.  SMRLS is an organization that qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.    

SMRLS is a client-centered organization looking for qualified candidates to provide a full range of high-quality legal services, in a respectful manner which enables our clients to enforce their legal rights consistent with our mission statement which can be found at https://www.smrls.org/about-us/mission/ 

As a non-profit law firm SMRLS receives federal, state, local, public, and private funding to provide free legal help to low income and elderly people.  Started in 1909, we are Minnesota’s oldest legal aid program, with an established a tradition of partnership in providing access to justice with the private bar, a bi-partisan Legislature, the Minnesota Supreme Court and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: With the assistance of a strong knowledgeable support staff the attorney in this position will provide representation and advice directly to clients assigned to the family law unit. The family law unit provides legal services in contested matters involving dissolution of marriage, custody, parenting time, and protection orders for victims.

Duties include client interviewing and counseling, drafting pleadings, discovery requests, and court appearances.  Types of cases assigned will vary based upon client and firm needs.  Applicant preferred case type will also be considered.

The staff attorney must be willing to maintain a caseload in compliance with SMRLS’ written practice standards, guiding principles, federal regulations, and other SMRLS Board policies in furtherance of SMRLS’ Mission.  Some community education, outreach, and active bar participation are also expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Licensed to practice in Minnesota; those sitting for the bar exam will be considered.

·       Two years of family law experience or other work in a legal setting is preferred.  Applicants with less than two years of family law experience will be considered.  

·       Experience working in low-income communities, including victims of domestic abuse and individuals from other cultural backgrounds, or other demonstrated interest in working with low-income clients is preferred.

·       Computer competence and proficiency with Microsoft products and zoom.

·       Effective communication skills; ability to work constructively with others in a team and individual settings; good judgment; ability to learn quickly and work efficiently under pressure.

SALARY: The base salary, with no experience, is $80,010.  Those with relevant experience are eligible for a higher salary depending on qualifications.  SMRLS offers robust health insurance for employees and families and a generous paid time off (PTO) allowance.

Position Overview: As soon as practical. Position is open until filled.

TO APPLY:  Apply online at https://www.smrls.org/about-us/job-opportunities/

Please submit your resume, a cover letter, list of three references, and a writing sample to:

Karla Kluzak, Family Law Attorney

SMRLS

12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000

Mankato, MN  56001

You may also apply by email addressed to:

Karla Kluzak, Family Law Attorney at karla.kluzak@smrls.org

SMRLS IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORKERS, REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER, DISABILITY OR OTHER PROTECTED CLASS STATUS. SMRLS IS COMMITTED TO COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE,

AND LOCAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.