Full-Time (1.0 FTE) GAL Staff Attorney- North-Western Region
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Ubicación de trabajo
St Paul, MN, USA
Estado de Empleo
Tiempo completo
Detalles de la oferta de trabajo
We support trained, effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. Together, we will build and sustain an effective, racially equitable program that advocates for children and their families with compassion, high engagement, and a community lens.
About Us
The Program desires advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Our Guardians ad Litem are independent from the court and the child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to represent a child's best interests in court proceedings.
Since its inception, the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program has committed itself to giving abused and neglected children a strong voice in our court system. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program is a state agency providing services throughout the state of Minnesota.
Position Description
GAL Program Staff Attorney –
The Guardian ad Litem Board is seeking a full-time (1.0FTE) Staff Attorney to provide legal services to the Guardian ad Litem Program. The ideal candidate will reside in the 7th, 8th or 10th judicial district as this will be the primary geographical region for which representation will be provided. This is a remote employment position, however, will require travel as needed.
Introduction:
Work includes serving as a legal resource for the program with respect to case consultations, discovery, legal advice, evidentiary issues, confidentiality issues, legal research, appeals, guardian ad litem testimony, trainings, and guardian ad litem representation in family law and child protection cases. Program procedures and guidelines are in place to ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Practice and Rules of Guardian ad Litem Procedure as well as the Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders and Policies; GAL Board Policies; GAL Program Standards; and district and local program requirements.Primary Responsibilities: (additional detail on responsibilities provided upon hire)
• Consults with Guardians ad Litem state-wide on cases and provides legal advice.
• Attends courts appearances with and on behalf of Guardians ad Litem.
• Provides legal research and advice on a broad range of substantive and administrative issues.
• Provides staff support for various committees, task forces, and teams.
• Provides legal research, memoranda and proposed dispositions including preparation of orders and opinions on petitions for review.
• Develops and provides training for Guardians ad Litem, including but limited to juvenile law, family law, trial preparation, etc.
• Provides on-site trial/motion coverage.
• Participates in Appeals on behalf of Guardians ad Litem.
• * Exposure to extensive secondary trauma and on-going conflict is anticipated as work involves clients that may be victims and/or perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and child neglect.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Considerable knowledge of and experience with substantive and procedural family law and juvenile law cases.
• Considerable knowledge of and experience with motion practice, evidentiary hearings, and trials.
• Knowledge of and experience with appellate court proceedings.
• Knowledge of ICWA and MIFPA.
• Ability to effectively conduct legal research using printed and computerized sources.
• Ability to work effectively with judges, court staff, administrative staff, other employees, and the public.
• Ability to effectively negotiate legal issues on behalf of Guardians ad Litem.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer with word processing and legal research software.
• Skill in analyzing, appraising, organizing, and presenting relevant facts, law, evidence, and precedents.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise legal documents, reports, and memos.
• Skill in analyzing issues and rendering a legal opinion.
• Skill in reading, analyzing, and interpreting legal documents.
• Skill in presenting material clearly, both orally and in writing.
Minimum Qualifications: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)
Possession of a law degree from an accredited college or university and considerable experience as an attorney in private or public practice.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and mode of transportation.
Capacity to work flexible hours.
Must reside near the assigned service area.
• *Successful candidate must pass background check upon hire and repeat background checks every three years thereafter.
Preferred Qualifications: Considerable knowledge of child protection and family law; knowledge of court culture, judicial branch policies and procedures and GAL program policies and procedures preferred.The Location:
The work is performed as a remote office position. The assigned service area is North-western, MN. Travel through-out the State of Minnesota may be required.
The Benefits:
• 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• State of MN insurance benefits and retirement package
• Flexibility
• Public service
Interested?
This is a 1.0 FTE represented full-time position with a starting rate of $34.50/hr.
The Guardian ad Litem Program is an independent program within the Minnesota Judicial Branch and is governed by the Guardian ad Litem Board.
TO APPLY: Complete the online application at: www.mncourts.gov. Application deadline is Friday, August 18th, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Please allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the on-line application process. Posted for internal and external application submission simultaneously.
The Guardian ad Litem Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of diversity. We actively seek and encourage applications from persons of diverse backgrounds.
It is the policy of the Guardian ad Litem Program that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process or if you have any additional HR related questions, please contact, GALHR@courts.state.mn.us
