Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 2

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework up to 50%

Healthcare benefits

Pension plan

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is seeking an Associate General Counsel to join its legal team in Saint Paul. This role provides strategic guidance on civil rights investigations, drafts and reviews settlement agreements, and advises MDHR leadership on complex statutory interpretations.

The position offers hybrid work with up to 50% telework, requires a Juris Doctor and Minnesota license, and four years in civil rights or anti-discrimination law.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and a current license to practice law in good standing in Minnesota, plus four years of civil rights or anti-discrimination law experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state anti-discrimination laws across employment, housing, public accommodations, and education.
• Ability to draft memos, negotiate settlements, and communicate complex legal concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice during human rights investigations.
• Ensure discrimination findings meet applicable legal standards.
• Negotiate settlement agreements on behalf of the agency during conciliation.
• Research and analyze state and federal statutes and case law to support decision-making.

Skills

Legal research

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Judgment

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active Minnesota license to practice law

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Human Rights Dept

• Job ID: 97679
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/14/2026
• Closing Date: 11/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Legal
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. MDHR protects the civil rights of Minnesotans through the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. The Associate General Counsel is a member of MDHR’s legal team and will play a key role in achieving the transformational goals of MDHR.

This position serves as Associate General Counsel and reports to the Deputy General Counsel. In this position you will apply specialized legal knowledge in the areas of civil rights law to provide strategic advice during human rights investigations, ensure that the agency’s discrimination findings meet applicable legal standards, and negotiate settlement agreements on behalf of the agency during conciliation. This position provides privileged legal advice and consultation to MDHR’s Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, General Counsel, and agency managers and employees. This position will research and analyze state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and state and federal case law to support the agency in decision-making and business planning activities.

Hybrid Work Environment: This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework agreement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans as a Staff Attorney of the Department of Human Rights.

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and a current license to practice law in good standing in the State of Minnesota, plus four (4) years of experience in Minnesota civil rights or anti-discrimination law, including drafting legal memoranda and negotiating settlement agreements.

Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following:

• Knowledge of federal and state anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit, and business.
• Demonstrated skill in conducting legal research, communicating complex legal concepts in plain language, and producing concise memos, correspondence, training, and presentations.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills, demonstrating the ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse communities.
• Organizational, time management, and project management skills, with the ability to handle competing priorities and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and apply judgement to address multifaceted issues and determine best outcomes.
• Alignment with the Department’s vision, mission, and values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and Minnesota’s Administrative Rules.
• Experience conducting all phases of state and/or federal court litigation.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Knowledge of state investigative practices, processes, and procedures.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process.

About Human Rights Dept

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit www.mn.gov/mdhr.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.