Associate General Counsel / Staff Attorney 2

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota seeks an Associate General Counsel / Staff Attorney 2 to provide sophisticated legal guidance to the DCYF agency. The role involves interpreting state and federal laws, conducting complex research, and delivering formal opinions to support program compliance and policy decisions.

The position requires a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, a Minnesota license, and at least three years of practicing attorney experience in relevant areas.

Qualifications

• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing legal advice on diverse and complex human services and data privacy matters.
• Experience in one or more areas of law related to the position.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced legal expertise to guide agency programs, policies, and practices.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and develop well-reasoned opinions and analyses.
• Deliver high level legal analysis and strategic advice to inform executive decision making.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Legal writing

Stakeholder management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Minnesota bar license

Job description

Associate General Counsel / Staff Attorney 2

Working Title: Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 2

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 96987
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 9-19-2026. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
• Date Posted: 09/12/2026
• Closing Date: 10/05/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF
• Division/Unit: DCYF / GCO Administrations
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify

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.

Job Summary

* Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.)

This position provides legal expertise to support DCYF agency administrations in navigating an evolving federal landscape by interpreting and applying complex state and federal laws, regulations, and precedents. The incumbent conducts sophisticated legal research and develops strategies, formal opinions, and guidance that inform DCYF administrations on decision making, ensure program compliance, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to respond to increasing federal program changes, litigation, and legislative inquiries.

The role will also provide guidance on the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and related privacy laws, advising on data classification, access, security, and compliance. Designed to be flexible and adaptable, this position supports Assistant Deputy General Counsels, Deputy General Counsel, and the General Counsel and program leadership as a responsive legal resource capable of shifting priorities to meet emerging federal and data practices demands.

Responsibilities include:

Provide advanced legal expertise across multiple areas of law to guide agency programs, policies, and operational practices. Apply complex legal principles, statutory interpretation, and relevant federal and state precedents to evaluate the impact and applicability of laws and regulations on agency wide DCYF administrations. Deliver high level legal analysis and strategic advice that informs executive decision making and supports the development of legally sound program frameworks.

Perform legal work involving the interpretation and application of state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law to fact specific situations. Conduct comprehensive legal research using established methodologies to develop well-reasoned recommendations, formal opinions, and written legal analyses for use by DCYF administrators. Provide legal advice that supports administrators in resolving individual matters, compliance questions, and program specific issues.

Provide legal advice and consultation on the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**

JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;

Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota;

At least three (3) years’ experience as a practicing attorney (up to one year of which may be as a judicial clerk) in an area of law related to the position, including administrative law, criminal or juvenile delinquency law, child or vulnerable adult protection law, or related civil legal experience.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;

Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;

Providing legal advice on diverse and complex human services and data privacy matters; and

Experience in one or more areas of law related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the programs administered by DCYF including, but not limited to SNAP, MFIP, child support, Title IV-E, ICWA/MIFPA, child care assistance, early learning programs, and community action programs.
• Experience working in a county/community/Tribal social services agency.

Ability to adapt to new situations and a willingness to consider different perspectives.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at [e-mail].

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

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

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.