POSITION:  Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Legal Aid) seeks a full-time legal assistant for a six-month temporary position in its Minneapolis office.  The legal assistant will help our Immigration Law Project (ILP) represent low-income and vulnerable clients in a variety of immigration matters.  

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.

Legal Aid’s ILP serves clients who live in Hennepin and Anoka Counties, providing legal representation to clients in a full range of immigration contexts including removal work, U visa and VAWA-based advocacy, adjustment of status, and applications for citizenship.  The ILP works closely with Legal Aid’s other units to provide clients with holistic legal services. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The legal assistant will be responsible for gathering evidence, interviewing clients, preparing court exhibits, and performing administrative duties on removal cases.

QUALIFICATIONS:  All applicants must have:

1. Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the needs of low-income/vulnerable people and communities;
2. Commitment to working as a team member to serve client needs;
3. Excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills;
4. Proficiency using Microsoft Windows and Office; and
5. Ability to pass background check necessary to gain access to detention facilities.

6)  Somali or Spanish speaker preferred.

Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences are pluses.  Paralegal/legal assistant experience working in an immigration law setting is a plus.

SALARY:   $32,088 to $37,776 annually, depending on experience.  Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life, and short-term and long-term disability insurance.

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

APPLICATIONS:  Submit cover letter, resume, and three job-related references to www.mylegalaid.org/jobs by Friday, July 19, 2019, or until position is filled.

No calls please.

Legal Aid is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.