Managing Attorney

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 141,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Health insurance

Job summary

The State of Minnesota invites applications for a Staff Attorney Supervisor/Managing Appellate Attorney within the Office of Appellate Counsel and Training (OACT). The role focuses on building and overseeing the appellate representation program and supervising attorneys statewide.

Expect to lead workflows, assign cases, and develop processes with the Training Director. This is a statutory unclassified position; bilingual pay may apply.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) required and licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
• Minimum three years representing clients as an attorney in juvenile/family matters or appeals.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through supervision or leadership programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor the appellate representation program.
• Manage attorney workflow and assign cases by priorities and workloads.
• Provide and oversee legal analysis and establish practice standards.
• Collaborate with Training Director to offer professional development statewide.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Time management

Leadership experience

Multi-tasking

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

• Job ID: 96562
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/8/2026
• Closing Date: 9/29/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Appellate Counsel & Training Office / - MMA
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes-up to 25%
• Salary Range: $48.44 - $69.21 / hourly; $101,142 - $144,510 / annually-with a bilingual language differential available to eligible employees
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Office of Appellate Counsel and Training (OACT) seeks to hire a Staff Attorney Supervisor/Managing Appellate Attorney.

This position exists to help develop, implement, and monitor the agency’s appellate representation program and to ensure its compliance with applicable laws. It will manage attorney workflow, assign cases based on priorities and workloads, provide, and oversee other attorneys’ provision of, legal analysis, recommend effective processes and practice standards for the appellate representation program, and work in collaboration with the Training Director to provide professional development opportunities for parent attorneys statewide.

This is a Statutory Unclassified position which means that the incumbent serves at the will of the OACT’s Head Appellate Counsel for an unlimited period of time. A bilingual language differential is available to eligible individuals.

All OACT leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the six competency themes from the Enterprise-Wide Leader Competency Model:

• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Getting Work Done

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD)
• Current license in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota
• Three (3) years of experience representing clients as a practicing attorney in juvenile/family matters or appeals proceedings
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task
• Demonstrated leadership experience. Leadership experience can include experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead, or completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI or SLI), or comparable leadership program

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience representing parents in juvenile protection appeals
• Experience planning, organizing, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and reporting on program objectives
• Experience working in Minnesota state government or another government environment with legislative, policy, or public-facing responsibilities
• Knowledge, experience, and thorough understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), and the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPCWDA)

Physical Requirements

This is a sedentary position. Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and laptops or accounting boxes. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

Please answer and attach the following questions to your application. Failure to answer the questions will result in a rejection of the application:

• Do you have education, training, or experience with legal cases, laws, statutes, regulations, court rules, policies, procedures, legal periodicals, and other legal authorities that are relevant to juvenile protection or appeals proceedings?
• I have less than 3 years of experience performing these tasks
• I have 3 or more years of experience performing these tasks
• I do have education or training in performing these tasks
• None of the above
• Describe your experience representing parents, guardians, or custodians of a child who is or was the subject of a juvenile protection/family law case.
• Describe your leadership experience.

It Is The Policy Of The Office Of Appellate Counsel And Training That All Employees Submit To a Background Investigation Prior To Employment. The Background Check May Consist Of The Following Components

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Attorney licensing and disciplinary record check
• Driver's License Check

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Patrick Wenum at [e-mail] or 651-259-3639.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Patrick Wenum at [e-mail].

About Appellate Counsel & Training Office

The OACT was created during the 2023 session of the Minnesota State Legislature and is responsible for providing appellate representation, training, and federal funding support for juvenile protection matters in state and Tribal court jurisdictions. Its mission is to provide and promote independent, high-quality legal representation to parents, guardians, and legal custodians affected by the child welfare system. Core values include compassion, creativity, equity, and transparency.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.