Assistant County Attorney I or II

Winona County; Winona (MN); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Flexible benefits plan

Paid time off

Professional development

PERA retirement contributions

Job summary

Winona County is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to join our legal team in Minnesota. The role involves handling criminal and civil cases under the County Attorney’s guidance, representing the county in litigation, and advising county departments on legal matters.

We offer a competitive hourly rate, a hybrid work arrangement, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, retirement contributions through PERA, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited college of law; licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a personal background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Identify, define, evaluate and resolve problems facing county officials and employees; recommend the best course of action.
• Perform committee and outreach work at local, regional, and state level.
• Monitor operations of county officers to ensure legal compliance.
• Represent county in litigation and prepare cases for trial; negotiate settlements when appropriate.
• Review drafts and negotiate contracts and other legal documents for the county.
• Study, interpret, and apply laws and court decisions in case preparation.
• Handle less complex criminal and civil cases.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Civil law knowledge

Criminal law knowledge

Juvenile law knowledge

Legal research

Pleadings knowledge

Negotiation skills

Education

Minnesota law license

Job description

Job Duties

Winona County is accepting applications for this position until 4:00 p.m. November 30, 2026; however, preference will be given to those that apply by 4:00 p.m. November 16, 2026. Please attach a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and a copy of your undergraduate and law school transcripts to your online application.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates who are actively pursuing admission to the Minnesota Bar or who are eligible to obtain a Minnesota law license upon selection.

Assistant County Attorney I starts at $3,905.06/bi-weekly (DOQ) with advancement up to $4,837.89/bi-weekly. Assistant County Attorney II starts at $4,236.88/bi-weekly (DOQ) with advancement up to $5,626.92/bi-weekly. An additional 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is scheduled for 2027.

Characteristics Of Class

To perform legal and advisory services, including both criminal and civil law as prescribed by County Attorney to accomplish effective representation of state, county, and county personnel.

Supervisory Controls

Work is performed under general direction of the County Attorney. An employee in this class defines and implements the best acceptable alternatives for problems encountered by county officials, department heads, and employees. Determines and administers justice to those alleged to have violated the criminal laws of the state. Keeps abreast of the new and ever-changing laws, court decisions, rules and regulations. An employee in this class may oversee Legal Assistants, paralegals, interns, and volunteers.

Example Of Duties

• Identify, define, evaluate, and effectively resolve problems facing county officials, department heads, and employees; determine alternative courses of action and effectively recommend the most advantageous course of action by the officer, department head, or employee faced with the problem; proceed to assist in implementation of the solution.
• Perform committee and outreach work at the local, regional, and state level that furthers the effectiveness of County services in the criminal justice system, and child support, child protection, and other legal work areas at the direction and under the supervision of the County Attorney.
• Monitor operations of county officers, department heads, and employees to ensure compliance with law.
• Represent county in litigation, including pleadings, motions, legal research, and court appearances; prepare cases for trial by analyzing investigator reports, interviewing persons involved, drafting legal documents, presenting evidence and arguments in court, and authority to negotiate settlements when determined appropriate, as well as represent county and state in civil and criminal appeals in matters not resolved at trial court level.
• Review drafts and negotiate contracts and other legal documents for the county.
• Study, interpret, and apply laws, decisions, rules of court, and other authorities in preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs.
• Handle less complex cases, including criminal prosecution and civil legal work.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Required

• Graduate of accredited college of law; licensed to practice law in Minnesota.

Minimum Experience Required

Any combination of training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Skill in interpersonal relationships.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal or juvenile laws.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research.
• Knowledge of the pleadings and practice of effective presentation of court cases.
• Ability to appraise and organize facts and to present evidence and other material in written or oral form.
• Skill in conducting legal research, analysis of data, determination of proper courses of action, and presentation of facts and arguments.
• Ability to negotiate.

For Pre-Employment

• Graduate of accredited college of law; licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a personal background investigation.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Drug Test Required

Yes

Compensation

$48.81 - $70.34 / Hourly

Postal Code

55987

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

Hybrid

Requisition ID

106455

Job Benefits

The County provides an attractive benefit package including health, dental, and life insurance; flexible benefits plan; optional long-term disability, and accident and health insurances; vacation and sick time; professional development; and retirement contributions through the Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).