An interview with Ralonda Mason, J.D., by Carmen Peota

Click here to read the interview.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA) is seeking a staff attorney for a six-month position with the Youth Law Project based in its Minneapolis Office.

Background:  MMLA’s Minneapolis office provides civil legal representation to low-income people in Hennepin County.  The office receives funding from a variety of public and private sources and enjoys strong support from the organized bar. The Youth Law Project (YLP) provides free legal advice and representation to Hennepin County youth in connection with child maltreatment matters, access to medical and mental health care and social services, independent living issues, and other civil legal matters.  The YLP also conducts training and community legal education programs on youth law issues.

Responsibilities:  The attorney will represent children experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect, and homelessness and children threatened with school suspension or expulsion.  Responsibilities may include policy advocacy and community education as appropriate to client and office needs. 

Qualifications:  Concern for the needs and rights of low-income persons is required.  Candidates must be admitted to practice in Minnesota.  Experience working with youth and families is preferred.  Second language ability is preferred.  Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences are a plus.  Candidates must have good verbal and written communication skills.

Salary:  The salary will depend on experience, but will not exceed an annual amount of $46,150 pro-rated for six months.

Starting Date:  As soon as possible.

To Apply:  Send a letter and resume to:

Minnesota Disability Law Center – Minneapolis Office

POSITION:  The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) seeks a full-time attorney to provide Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) services for one year.

BACKGROUND: MDLC is a statewide project of the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (LASM), which receives federal funding to serve as Minnesota’s Protection and Advocacy system for persons with disabilities.  LASM performs these functions through MDLC.  The main office is in Minneapolis with other offices in Duluth, Fertile, Grand Rapids, and Mankato. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The attorney in this position will represent clients with disabilities in a variety of discrimination matters, with an emphasis on litigation.  This attorney will also advocate for clients whose personal care assistant (PCA) services have been eliminated or reduced. Because MDLC serves clients throughout Minnesota, this position may involve travel.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION ACTIVITIES: Both individually and in cooperation with other MDLC staff, the person in this position will develop and present community education programs for clients, advocates, and service providers on disability law issues. 

QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires that the applicant be admitted to practice in  Minnesota, have excellent oral and written communication skills, negotiation skills, litigation skills and the ability to work as part of a team.  Knowledge of disability law and familiarity with service systems is preferred.  Similarly, experience in providing services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.  Proficiency using Microsoft Windows and Office required.Second language skills and experiences with diverse economic, social, or cultural communities also preferred.

COMPENSATION:  The salary will depend on experience, but will not exceed $48,000 for the 12-month period.  Benefits include family health insurance.

TO APPLY:  Send a letter and resume to:  Pam Cunningham,  MDLC, 430 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN  55401-1780 or by email to hiring@midmnlegal.org.  Deadline:  March 26, 2012 or until filled.  No calls please.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 

Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are urged to apply.

Background:   MMLA’s Willmar is a three-attorney office which provides civil representation to low-income people in ten primarily rural counties.  The office receives funding from a variety of public and private sources and enjoys strong support from the organized bar.  Willmar is a city of 18,000, located in west-central Minnesota, about 95 miles west of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  The community provides opportunities to join a community theater; cultural activities at the local community college; and easy access to state parks, lakes, and bike trails.  The population served by this office is diverse, including recent immigrants from Africa, Central and South America, and longer term residents of the area.

Responsibilities:  The attorney will provide assistance to low‑income individuals on family law, housing, public assistance, and other civil legal issues.  Representation can include service work, complex litigation, policy advocacy, and community education as appropriate to client and office needs.

Qualifications:  Concern for the needs and rights of low-income persons is required.  Family law experience and experience working with victims of domestic violence is strongly preferred.  Second language ability preferred.  Applicant must be licensed or willing to take the next bar exam.  Attorneys admitted in states other than Minnesota can get temporary pre-exam admission.  Graduates of 2012 will be considered.  Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences are a plus.  Proficiency using Microsoft Windows and Office required.

 Salary:  $44,000-$46,150 upon bar admission, D.O.E. based on MMLA salary schedule.  Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life, and long-term disability insurance.

 Deadline:  Applications preferred by March 20, 2012.  Position will remain open until filled.

 Send resume and cover letter to:

Ann Cofell, Deputy Director

MMLA-Willmar

P.O. Box 1866

415 Seventh St. SW

Willmar, MN  56201

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

No Agencies.  No Calls.