Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney

The University of Minnesota Student Legal Service (SLS) is a unit within the Office of Student Affairs and reports directly to the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life. SLS offers assistance,
advice, counsel and legal representation to students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
The duties and responsibilities are set forth below.

This position is in the professional/administrative personnel class, and reports to the Director of Student Legal Service. The position is renewable annually at the discretion of the Director. This is a full-time position with the duties and responsibilities being 100%. This position is hybrid with typically 3 days in office and 2 days remote. Note: 1-2 positions are currently available. Based on qualifications and experience, candidates will be hired into one of two job codes: Staff Attorney (9731SL) or Senior Staff Attorney (9732SL)

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The Staff Attorney is responsible for:

• Providing counsel, advice and representation in a wide range of legal services to USLS clients, with a focus and emphasis on landlord-tenant, consumer, employment and administrative matters.
• Performing skillful and efficient trial work, appear and represent stakeholders at hearings, and negotiations both administratively and at various stages of litigation.
• Completing all client documents and correspondence in timely manner
• Planning, developing and participating in presentation of law related educational programs and in-service training.
• Assisting in the creation, development, and writing of brochures and educational material
• Performing administrative duties assigned by the USLS Director
• Assisting in working with student board

The Senior Staff Attorney is responsible for:

• Providing confidential advice, counsel and representation to eligible students in areas of law identified in the SLS Schedule of benefits and determined by the directing Attorney;
• This position focuses on providing advice, counsel and representation to eligible students in areas of landlord/tenant, consumer law, creditor/debtor/ collection/ employment and administrative law;
• Meet, counsel, represent and advise students, analyze and determine best course of action. Prepare all necessary legal documentation, pleadings, discovery documents and memorandum for court. When necessary, appear, advocate and represent students in court proceedings. When appropriate prepare for and participate in appellate process and in administrative hearings;
• Planning and presenting law-related educational programs within the University and University community as well as providing in-service training;
• Participation in UMN and Office for Student Affairs events and committees;
• Actively participate in local, state and national professional associations that reflect positively on both the University and the legal profession;
• Provide assistance in the recruitment, interviewing, hiring and supervision of staff and when necessary and appropriate mentor and supervise those individuals; Performing administrative duties and outreach activities as assigned by the director.

Staff Attorney (9731SL) Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Staff Attorney:

• J.D. Degree and Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota
• Excellent academic record, excellent written and oral communication skills, unquestioned integrity and an ability to interact and work well with clients and others.
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications. Word processing, internet use including Westlaw, familiarity with case management software
• Must be able to appear in courts in the seven-county metropolitan area.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Attorney:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in the practice of Law or like experience with a focus on landlord-tenant and consumer matters
• Experience with employment law and administrative agency matters
• Experience with diverse client base

Senior Staff Attorney (9732SL) Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Senior Staff Attorney:

• J.D. degree from ABA accredited law school with at least four years of experience. Licensed to practice in Minnesota or eligible for immediate licensure in Minnesota.
• Experience dependent on needs of unit, applicants will demonstrate proficiency in the practice of law providing legal representation to individual clients;
• Experience and aptitude relative to technology in law office and legal context; strong legal writing and advocacy skills.
• Applicants must be able to appear in courts in the seven-county metropolitan area.
• Prior experience working with youth/young adults.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing the principles of equity and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Staff Attorney:

• Experience working with students, specifically in a college or university setting;
• Ability to write and design educational materials employing a variety of media
• Experience serving clients of color, international/immigrant communities, first generation college students, individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQIA community;
• Experience with case management systems/software.

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay Range:

Staffing Attorney (9731SL) $70,000 to $79,000 ;depending on education/qualifications/experience

Senior Staffing Attorney (9732SL) $85,000 to $89,000 ;depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required Application Material: Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample, Portfolio, References

Priority Deadline Note: July 15, 2026

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.