Senior Leadership Attorney – Metro Region
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
[email protected]
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.
Pay: From $132,406.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Paul, MN 55101
