Associate Assistant County Attorney

Ramsey-County,-Mn; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County in Minnesota seeks an Associate Assistant County Attorney to provide legal services to the County Board and departments, prosecute criminal cases, and represent the county in civil matters. The role includes advising staff, negotiating settlements, and preparing legal documents.

A Minnesota law license and ongoing CLE credits are required; active license and resume must be attached. The position allows a flex work arrangement with in-office presence and remote-first days, subject

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law.
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
• Completion of 45 credits of continuing legal education every three years.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for judicial and administrative proceedings by interviewing clients and witnesses, investigating facts, researching law, drafting pleadings, subpoenaing and interviewing witnesses, analyzing the opposition’s case, and writing legal memoranda and briefs.
• Try assigned criminal or civil cases and represent the County at judicial hearings by presenting facts, analyzing evidence and information as it is conveyed during the proceedings, and adjusting the County’s case as necessary; make recommendations on whether to file appeals.
• Determine whether to charge, drop charges or negotiate pleas by analyzing facts in relation to established charging or plea negotiation standards; contact crime victims in accordance with the Victim’s Rights Act.
• Advise less experienced staff attorneys on trial strategy, analysis and presentation of evidence; assign work to and review, revise and discuss legal opinions, pleadings, strategies and settlements of law clerks; direct clerical staff in the preparation of legal documents.
• Negotiate contracts, leases, lawsuit settlements or similar legal matters by assessing clients’ needs, evaluating strengths and weaknesses of positions and meeting with opponents’ representatives to reach objectives at minimal cost.
• Analyze legislation, case law, legal publications to maintain current information on legal developments.
• Prepare legal opinions and plan litigation to resolve immediate issues and future matters of similar nature.
• Draft proposed legislation and respond to inquiries in relation to proposed legislation.
• Provide training and advice to law enforcement officers, attorneys, corrections workers, social workers, and others in investigation, trial techniques, and legal issues.
• Prepare appellate briefs by analyzing issues, reviewing transcripts and doing necessary legal research; make oral arguments to appellate courts.
• Recommend the disposition of cases to judges, referees, arbitrators and administrative law judges.

Education

Law degree (JD)

Job description

The current vacancy is in the County Attorney's Office. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

The basic function, depending on assignment, is to provide legal services to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and other Ramsey County boards, commissions and departments; to prosecute criminal cases and provide legal representation in civil lawsuits; to provide legal services in the area of child support enforcement, paternity proceedings, foster care reimbursement; in all child protection, mental health and chemical dependency commitment matters: and to perform related duties as assigned. (This is the entry level in this class series. Work assignments provide the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through education, in order to develop the skills required for advancement.)

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once on this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full‑time or work a flex schedule in which at least two‑days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote‑first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on‑site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.

1. Prepare cases for judicial and administrative proceedings by interviewing clients and witnesses, investigating facts, researching law, drafting pleadings, subpoenaing and interviewing witnesses, analyzing the opposition’s case, and writing legal memoranda and briefs.
2. Try assigned criminal or civil cases and represent the County at judicial hearings by presenting facts, analyzing evidence and information as it is conveyed during the proceedings, and adjusting the County’s case as necessary; make recommendations on whether to file appeals.
3. Determine whether to charge, drop charges or negotiate pleas by analyzing facts in relation to established charging or plea negotiation standards; contact crime victims in accordance with the Victim’s Rights Act.
4. Advise less experienced staff attorneys on matters of trial strategy, analysis and presentation of evidence, case negotiation or other matters of law; assign work to and review, revise and discuss the legal opinions, pleadings, strategies and settlements of law clerks; direct the work of clerical staff in the preparation of legal documents.
5. Negotiate contracts, leases, lawsuit settlements or similar legal matters by assessing clients’ needs, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of clients’ and opponents’ bargaining positions and meeting with opponents’ representatives so that the clients’ objectives can be reached at minimal cost.
6. Analyze legislation, case law, legal publications and other relevant literature in order to maintain accurate, current information on legal developments in all areas of law.
7. Prepare legal opinions and plan litigation in order to resolve immediate issues and to establish a basis for resolving future matters of a similar nature.
8. Draft proposed legislation and respond to inquiries in relation to proposed legislation.
9. Provide training and advice to law enforcement officers, attorneys, corrections workers, social workers, and other relevant parties in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment.
10. Prepare appellate briefs by analyzing issues, reviewing transcripts and doing necessary legal research; make oral arguments to appellate courts.
11. Recommend the disposition of cases to judges, referees, arbitrators and administrative law judges.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college of law.

Experience: None.

Substitution: None.

Certifications/Licensure: Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and completion of 45 credits of continuing legal education every three years.

You must attach an active Minnesota Attorney license and resume to be considered.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this position will be forwarded to the hiring department/manager for consideration.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who have submitted a completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Associate Assistant County Attorney. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Applicants will remain on the list for 60 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran’s Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process.

Veteran’s Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran’s preference should update their veteran’s DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre‑screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on Form I‑9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact [e-mail]