Assistant Criminal Division Head

Dakota County; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision

Generous paid time off

11 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday

Pension plan

Work from home some of the time

Job summary

Dakota County in Hastings, MN is seeking an Assistant Criminal Division Head to supervise attorneys, paralegals, and law clerks, while assisting the Criminal Division Head in managing adult criminal prosecutions. The role includes providing legal advice, representing the County/State in court, and contributing to policy implementation.

Requirements include a JD from an accredited law school, Minnesota bar admission by hire date, and at least five years of relevant criminal trial or appellate

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota by the date of hire is required.
• Five years of full‑time criminal trial and/or appellate experience as a licensed attorney are required.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise attorneys, paralegals, and law clerks as assigned.
• Provide legal advice to Criminal Division leadership on criminal matters.
• Prepare legal documents and represent the County or State in court.
• Monitor performance and prepare reviews for direct subordinates.
• Advise on management, policy, and case specifics to leadership.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and document work and decisions.
• Fulfill all job duties of Attorney III and IV.
• Attend staff and required meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree (law)

Licensed to practice law in Minnesota

Five years of criminal trial/appellate experience

Job description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
HOURS: Full-time
FULL SALARY RANGE: $129,560 - $202,438/year (113 Grade Level)
LOCATION: Judicial Center, Hastings
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: Friday, October 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

The Assistant Criminal Division Head reports directly to the Criminal Division Head. This position assists the Criminal Division Head in the management and oversight of the Criminal Division in the Office of the Dakota County Attorney as it pertains to adult criminal prosecutions. The basic functions of this position are to supervise attorneys, paralegals, and law clerks, and provide direction to support staff; to provide legal advice and representation to Dakota County and prosecute crimes on behalf of the State of Minnesota; to participate as a member of the County Attorney’s Management Team in the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; AND
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota by the date of hire; AND
• Five years of full-time equivalent CRIMINAL trial and/or CRIMINAL appellate experience as a licensed attorney.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a supervising or managing attorney.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Directly supervise attorneys, paralegals, and law clerks as assigned, including work assignments, prioritization of work, work product and specific case advice. Provide direction to support staff in coordination with the Criminal Division Head and Office Lead.
2. Provide legal advice to the Criminal Division Head, Chief Deputy, First Assistant and County Attorney on criminal matters.
3. Prepare legal documents for cases and represent the County or State of Minnesota in court.
4. Monitor performance and prepare reviews of direct subordinates.
5. Provide information, support and advice to Criminal Division Head, Chief Deputy, First Assistant and County Attorney on management, policy and specific cases.
6. Provide assistance to the Criminal Division Head in monitoring the performance of the division as a whole; accurately document work done, decisions made; and ensure appropriate record keeping is completed.
7. Fulfill all job duties of Attorney III and IV.
8. Attend staff and other required meetings.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the Criminal Division Head, Chief Deputy, First Assistant or County Attorney.

Duties 1-8 are essential functions.

• Knowledge of state and federal constitutional law, statutes, and court rules to effectively and efficiently oversee the prosecution of cases of all staff within the criminal division.
• Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Knowledge of County and Office policies.
• Ability to effectively lead, train, coach and evaluate assigned staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of other departments in the County or other external contacts to be able to advise them on actions and policies.
• Ability to moderate, negotiate or otherwise remedy disputes that arise between attorneys, staff, clients and other contacts.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily stationary, although there is some movement, and transport of lightweight items such as briefcases, laptop, notebooks, and work papers. The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year.
• Pension with a generous employer contribution.
• Ability to work from home some of the time.