Assistant County Attorney I or II

County-of-Winona---Winona-County; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 178,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Winona is seeking an Assistant County Attorney I/II in Winona, MN. The role supports criminal and civil legal work for county and personnel, under the County Attorney's supervision. Candidates pursuing Minnesota bar admission or licensed in Minnesota are welcome to apply.

The position offers progression with DOQ pay scales and a 3% COLA scheduled for 2027, with formal duties including trial preparation, negotiation, and engagement with county leadership.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
• Ability to research and interpret laws and court decisions.
• Experience presenting evidence and arguments in court.

Responsibilities

• Represent county in litigation, including pleadings, motions, and court appearances.
• Review contracts and legal documents for the county.
• Provide advisory services to county officials and employees.
• Supervise paralegals, interns, and other staff as needed.
• Stay current with laws, rules, and regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Civil law knowledge

Criminal law knowledge

Legal research

Pleading & court presentation

Negotiation

Education

Graduate of accredited law school; Minnesota license

Job description

County Court House
171 W 3rd St
Winona, MN 55987, USA

• Legal
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: ASSIS001633

Description

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:

Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples listed in their relative order of importance include all duties, which may be found in positions in this class.

• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Working Conditions:

• Extraordinary effort is expended in preparation for and during trial, appeals, and some public meetings and hearings.
• Travel required for meetings, conferences, litigation, and research.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.