Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Minnesota Attorney General; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Minnesota Attorney General is seeking two experienced attorneys to join its Human Services Division in Saint Paul. You will represent the Department of Human Services in state and federal courts and handle a broad civil litigation docket.

Candidates must be licensed in Minnesota, have at least two years of civil litigation experience, and be able to travel across counties. Strong written and oral communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and license to practice in Minnesota.
• Two years of civil litigation experience or equivalent.
• Ability to litigate independently and make strategic legal decisions.
• Ability to travel to counties across the state.
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools.
• Proven ability to contribute positively to a team and interact with clients and the public.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent DHS in state and federal courts and administrative appeals.
• Work on all aspects of civil litigation from filing to appeal.
• Travel periodically throughout Minnesota for cases.

Skills

Civil litigation

Legal research

Oral and written communication

Travel readiness

Team collaboration

Client interaction

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Minnesota bar license

Tools

Electronic filing systems

Case management software

Job description

The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison — one of Minnesota’s largest public law offices and recognized as a 2022 Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota and 2022 Top Workplace USA — has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who could all work elsewhere but choose public service as a calling, and we are actively building an internal culture that supports that calling.

The Office is currently seeking two experienced attorneys to join its Human Services Division.

The human services division provides litigation services and legal counsel to the Department of Human Services (“DHS”), the state’s largest agency. Attorneys in the division represent DHS in a broad range of cases involving health care, licensing, children and family services, and the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Attorneys regularly handle cases in state and federal district court, state and federal appellate courts, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Division attorneys have recently argued at the Minnesota Supreme Court and Eighth Circuit, and defended multiple class actions.

A successful candidate in this position will be able to:

Represent DHS in different forums – from state and federal courts to administrative agency appeals

Work on all aspects of civil litigation, from initial answer or Rule 12 motion, through discovery, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal

Travel periodically throughout Minnesota, as cases can be venued anywhere in the state

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and license to practice in the State of Minnesota
• Two years of civil litigation experience or equivalent
• Proven ability to litigate independently and make strategic legal decisions on a diverse caseload
• Ability to travel to counties across the state
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools
• Proven ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
• Proven ability to work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment

Along with a cover letter, applicants must also submit a writing sample of up to 5 pages.

To be considered at the S2 level, candidates must have 8 years of related experience.

To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have 12 years of related experience.