Hotline Attorney

Organization

Justice North is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals across northern Minnesota. Formed through the merger of Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota and Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Justice North serves clients in both urban and rural communities with a commitment to equity, dignity, and access to justice. We provide a full range of poverty law services and partner closely with community organizations, courts, and service providers to help clients achieve safety, stability, and long-term solutions to legal problems.

Position Summary

The Hotline Attorney is a critical first point of contact for clients seeking legal help during moments of crisis. Through our legal advice hotline, this position provides immediate, compassionate, and high-quality legal guidance to individuals facing urgent civil legal issues, often at a time when timely information can make a significant difference in safety, stability, or housing.

This role focuses on brief legal advice and thoughtful triage. The hotline attorney listens carefully to clients’ concerns, provides clear legal information and guidance across multiple areas of poverty law, and evaluates whether a client may benefit from additional legal services. When appropriate, matters are referred to colleagues who provide extended or full legal representation. Hotline attorneys do not carry litigation or ongoing representation caseloads, allowing them to focus entirely on advice, problem-solving, and decision-making at the front end of a case.

The hotline is a cornerstone of our organization’s service delivery model. It ensures that clients receive immediate assistance, that resources are allocated thoughtfully, and that attorneys providing extended representation can focus on deeper casework. The position offers meaningful client impact, intellectual variety, and the opportunity to build broad legal knowledge. The work is fast-paced, engaging, and well-suited for someone who enjoys helping many clients each day and thrives in a primarily remote environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Provide timely, high-quality brief legal advice to eligible clients by telephone, focusing on practical guidance, next steps, and risk reduction during moments of crisis

Serve as a trusted first point of contact for clients, offering clear communication, professionalism, and empathy in emotionally charged or urgent situations

Assess client needs and apply organizational guidelines to determine whether additional legal services are appropriate and, if so, facilitate referral to attorneys who provide limited or full representation

Deliver legal advice across multiple common areas of poverty law, maintaining accuracy while adapting explanations to meet clients’ individual circumstances and levels of understanding

Document advice and outcomes accurately and efficiently in accordance with program standards, timekeeping requirements, and applicable regulations

Comply with all organizational policies, federal regulations, and Legal Services Corporation (LSC) requirements related to the provision of legal advice

Participate in required trainings, meetings, and organizational activities to maintain legal knowledge, policy awareness, and service quality

Maintain reliable, timely attendance and availability during scheduled hotline hours

Work independently while collaborating closely with colleagues to ensure smooth transitions for cases that move beyond the advice stage

Qualifications

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in Minnesota, eligible for admission by motion or reciprocity, or willing to take the next scheduled Minnesota Bar Examination

Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income, immigrant, and other vulnerable or marginalized communities

Ability to work effectively with survivors of domestic violence and individuals experiencing crisis or instability

Training or experience in trauma-informed practice strongly preferred

Prior experience providing legal advice directly to clients preferred

Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately by telephone

Strong analytical skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to quickly identify legal issues and appropriate next steps

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team with professionalism and respect

Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and contributing to program growth, innovation, and continuous improvement

Strong time-management skills with the ability to manage competing demands effectively

Technology aptitude and competence, including the ability to learn new systems and adapt to changing tools and processes

Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the organization’s service area

Experience working in rural or geographically dispersed communities preferred but not required

Working Conditions 

This position is hybrid/remote with occasional in-person office days for outreach, trainings, and events. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Justice North offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a range of $80,000–$110,000, depending on experience, and an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; exceptionally generous paid time off; and paid federal holidays. 

How to Apply 

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through BambooHR. Justice North is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. 
Deadline to Apply: February 27, 2026

Apply here: https://justicenorth.bamboohr.com/careers/70

Justice North is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Justice North is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the application or hiring process may contact Justice North Human Resources.