Assistant City Attorney I

City of St. Cloud; Saint Cloud (MN); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive pension plan

Job summary

The City of St. Cloud is seeking an Assistant City Attorney for the City Attorney's Office. This entry‑level role emphasizes criminal prosecution and advising municipal agencies.

It is a hybrid position with at least two days in the office, reporting to the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney, and focused on independence with supervision by results. Responsibilities include prosecuting municipal cases, assisting with hearings and appeals, preparing witnesses, and providing guidance to law

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and Minnesota bar admission.
• One year of criminal-law experience or as a law clerk.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Acts as municipal prosecutor and handles charging decisions.
• Reviews cases for charging, and appears for hearings, trials and appeals.
• Prepares witnesses for hearings and collaborates with law enforcement.
• Provides legal training and advice to officers; conducts legal research.
• Drafts motions, briefs and other legal instruments.

Skills

Criminal law

Municipal prosecution

Legal research

Trial preparation

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

The St. Cloud City Attorney's Office is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join our team as an Assistant City Attorney! This is professional legal work performed for the City, involving those areas of governmental activity and jurisdiction assigned by the City Attorney, with special emphasis on criminal prosecution. This is an entry-level position in the City Attorney's office. Work involves assisting the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney in advising municipal agencies and the prosecution of criminal cases. Work is performed with professional independence under the general direction of the City Attorney and the Deputy City Attorney. Work is reviewed by conference and observation of results. This position is a hybrid position, with a minimum of two days in the office. If you are passionate about public service and eager to contribute to the legal framework of our city, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities

• Acts as municipal prosecutor;
• Reviews cases for charging, prepares criminal complaints, appears for criminal hearings, trials, and appeals;
• Prepares victims and witnesses for hearings and trials;
• Collaborates with law enforcement agencies regarding criminal matters;
• Provides guidance, legal training, and advice to law enforcement officers;
• Performs legal research on matters assigned; prepares and processes documents, legal memoranda, motions, briefs, and other legal instruments; and
• Performs other work as required and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited university with a juris doctorate degree;
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota;
• One year experience in the practice of criminal law or as a law clerk; and
• Valid Minnesota-issued driver’s license that is unrestricted except for corrective lenses or able to attain one by appointment.

Salary Information

The full salary range is $97,941 - $131,672 annually, with a starting salary of $97,941, in accordance with the current labor contract. On January 1, 2027, there will be a 4.75% general increase to all steps of all ranges, resulting in a full salary range of $102,593 - $137,926 annually. View the Job Profile

Benefits

The city is proud to provide a competitive healthcare package which includes single insurance premiums covered 100% by the employer and family covered 90%. The 2025 Family health insurance premiums are valued at an average of $33,253 annually. Many voluntary benefits, including disability and flexible spending accounts, are also offered. See benefit overview for more information on City benefits.

Retirement

An excellent retirement pension plan is provided by the city through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA).

Paid Leave

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Day and Holiday Pay can be found in the applicable labor union contract.