About Legal Services of North Dakota
Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) is a statewide nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free, high-quality civil legal assistance to lower-income North Dakotans and seniors. We work across housing, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, Indian law, and other critical areas that impact people’s lives.
We are a mission-driven, collaborative, and innovative organization that takes access to justice seriously and takes care of our people while doing it. Our team is smart, compassionate, and deeply committed to serving communities that are often overlooked by the legal system.
Position Overview
Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) is seeking a Staff Attorney to join its Pre-Petition Referral Program, a proactive initiative designed to prevent foster care placement and stabilize at-risk families through civil legal advocacy.
This role focuses on early intervention, working with families before crises escalate into child protection proceedings. The attorney will handle a diverse caseload involving family law, guardianship, housing, domestic violence, and related civil matters that directly impact family stability.
This is not a training role. We are seeking an attorney who can step into a high-impact, client-facing position and manage cases with confidence, sound judgment, and strong advocacy skills.
About the Program
LSND’s Pre-Petition Referral Program partners with human service zones, community organizations, and other frontline providers to identify families in crisis and provide timely legal intervention. The goal is simple but critical:
Keep families together by addressing legal issues before removal becomes necessary.
The program continues to expand statewide, increasing both the volume and complexity of cases, and requiring attorneys who can operate with independence while collaborating across systems.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Legal Representation (Primary Focus)
- Manage a caseload of pre-petition matters from intake through resolution
- Provide advice, brief services, and full representation to eligible clients
- Handle cases involving:
- Family law and custody
- Minor guardianships
- Domestic violence
- Housing instability
- Public benefits and related issues
- Draft pleadings, motions, and legal documents
- Represent clients in court hearings, negotiations, and administrative proceedings
- Develop case strategy focused on preventing family disruption and foster care placement
Early Intervention & Holistic Advocacy
- Work closely with client support specialists to address non-legal barriers impacting clients
- Identify legal solutions that stabilize housing, caregiving arrangements, and family safety
- Coordinate with partner agencies to ensure timely and effective intervention
Collaboration & Partnerships
- Communicate regularly with human service zones, shelters, medical partners, and community organizations
- Participate in case referrals and coordinated service delivery
- Support outreach and education efforts to improve early identification of legal needs
Program Development & Expansion
- Contribute to ongoing program growth and statewide expansion
- Help refine referral processes and service delivery models
- Participate in trainings related to child welfare prevention and civil legal remedies
Qualifications
Required
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Licensed in North Dakota or eligible for admission by reciprocity/waiver
- Demonstrated ability to manage cases independently
Experience
- Preferred: 2+ years of legal experience, particularly in:
- Family law
- Guardianship
- Housing or domestic violence matters
- Strong preference for candidates with prior courtroom or client-facing experience
- New graduates will be considered only if they bring substantial real-world or legal experience prior to law school
Skills & Attributes
- Strong litigation and courtroom advocacy skills
- Ability to assess complex family situations and identify practical legal solutions
- Comfortable working with clients in crisis and navigating sensitive situations
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to manage a high-volume, fast-moving caseload
- Commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities
Work Environment
- This position may be fully remote or hybrid with flexibility as needed
- You must live in North Dakota, but your specific location is flexible
- Regular travel within North Dakota for court, outreach, and partner collaboration
- Collaborative team environment with attorneys, client support specialists, and community partners
Why Work at LSND?
We take work-life balance seriously and believe people do their best work when they are supported and trusted.
LSND offers:
- 35-hour work week.
- 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for employees.
- 403(b) retirement with match and employer-contribution.
- 14 paid holidays per year.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Strong support for remote work.
- A collaborative, mission-driven team that values kindness, creativity, and smart problem-solving.
- A leadership team that listens and values staff input.
- Opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter in the body of an email and their resume as a PDF attachment to Jen Lee, Executive Director at jlee@lsnd.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
