Senior Attorney / Staff Attorney 2

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid leave

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services in Minnesota is seeking a Senior Attorney to support the Background Studies Division within the Office of Inspector General. The attorney will handle state and federal background study laws, issue decisions on reconsiderations, and assist in litigation and contract drafting.

You will collaborate with DHS divisions, the Attorney General’s Office, counties, and attorneys, while guiding expungement petitions and data requests.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Current license to practice law in Minnesota, in good standing
• At least three years’ experience as a practicing attorney in Minnesota criminal law
• Experience working on criminal cases in Minnesota District Court
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills
• Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Provides legal advice to senior management or executives

Responsibilities

• Analyzing law enforcement, maltreatment, and court records to assess background study eligibility and writing memoranda
• Providing legal advice on state and federal background study laws and policies
• Analyzing dispositions and sentences from other jurisdictions and translating to Minnesota context
• Issuing decisions on reconsiderations and testifying at administrative hearings
• Analyzing expungement petitions and orders
• Working with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation and appeals
• Liaising between Background Studies and DHS divisions, AG’s Office, counties, and attorneys
• Drafting and editing contracts involving the Background Studies Division
• Managing data requests and drafting proposed legislation affecting the Division

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Criminal law

Stakeholder management

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/16/2026
• Closing Date: 09/25/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-OLC BGS Staff Attorneys
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Re-Posting: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Senior Attorney

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Human Services Dept

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• This position was previously announced on 08/21/2026. If you already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.
• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

This position works in the Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office and supports the Background Studies Division. As a Background Studies Attorney, the incumbent is recognized as a subject matter expert in state and federal laws affecting background studies under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 245C and related compliance laws and policies.

Responsibilities Include But Not Limited To

• Analyzing law enforcement, maltreatment investigation, and court records to determine whether they impact a background study subject’s eligibility, and writing legal memoranda explaining the reasons for the findings
• Providing legal advice on the administration of state and federal laws and policies governing background studies under Chapter 245C
• Analyzing dispositions and sentences in criminal cases from other state and federal jurisdictions and translating them into comparable Minnesota criminal case information
• Issuing decisions on reconsiderations under delegated authority from the Commissioner of Human Services and testifying on behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS) at administrative appeal hearings
• Analyzing expungement petitions and orders
• Working with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation and appeals related to background studies and expungements
• Acting as liaison between Background Studies and other divisions of DHS, the Attorney General’s Office, counties, and attorneys
• Drafting and editing contracts involving the Background Studies Division
• Managing and responding to data requests made by background study subjects, third parties, the media, and the legislature
• Drafting and advising on proposed legislation affecting the Background Studies Division

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.**
• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota with no record of suspension or disbarment;
• At least three (3) years’ experience as a practicing attorney in an area of Minnesota criminal law.

Experience Must Demonstrate The Following

• Working on criminal cases in Minnesota District Court;
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
• Builds and maintains good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Provides legal advice on issues to senior management or executives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or judicial law clerk
• Successfully managing high volumes of work with competing priorities
• Experience litigating administrative law matters, which may include venues such as the Office of Administrative Hearings or Fair Hearings under Minnesota Statutes section 256.045
• Experience or interest in drafting contracts
• Experience drafting statutes and familiarity with the legislative process
• Knowledge or experience with plain language communication of complex regulatory and statutory matters
• Experience working for a government agency/organization
• Experience working effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It Is The Policy Of The Department Of Human Services That The Individual Selected For This Position Successfully Complete a Background Investigation Prior To Employment, Including The Following Components

• Criminal background check
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Shauna Verheyen at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN [e-mail] for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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.