Data Privacy and Practices Attorney / Staff Attorney 1

State of Minnesota; Vadnais Heights (MN); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota is seeking a Data Privacy & Practices Attorney to join the DCT Data Privacy Office in Vadnais Heights. The role focuses on researching and applying state and federal privacy laws, reviewing data governance matters, and advising leadership.

The position requires a JD, Minnesota license, and 1 year of experience. Telework is eligible on a limited basis, with onsite requirements of 50% at 3200 Labore Rd. This is a full-time, exempt role within DCT.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Minnesota in good standing.
• One year of experience as a licensed attorney.
• Knowledge of or ability to develop working knowledge of data privacy laws (MGDPA, HIPAA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research to resolve assigned data privacy issues and provide options.
• Interpret and apply MGDPA, MHRA, HIPAA and related requirements to matters.
• Advise DCT staff and Data Privacy Manager with legally supportable recommendations.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Legal analysis

Advice to clients

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Working Title: Data Privacy and Practices Attorney

Job Class: Staff Attorney 1

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Job ID: 97767
• Location: Vadnais Heights
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/15/2026
• Closing Date: 10/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs
• Division/Unit: DCT Support Services / DCT Data Privacy Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / 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

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT 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.

This position requires an employee to be onsite at 3200 Labore Rd, Ste 104, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota at least 50% of the time, with some opportunity to perform work from a telework location.

• Telework is available on a limited basis.
• Only candidates residing in Minnesota or a state bordering Minnesota (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin) within 50 miles of the work address listed above are eligible for telework.
• Candidates residing in Minnesota and more than 50 miles from the primary/principal work address above may be eligible to telework more than 50%.

Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) operates a diverse system of direct care and treatment programs and services and maintains significant volumes of government data, including protected health information, health records, private and confidential government data, employee information, client information, treatment‑related information, and other legally protected data.

This position exists to provide legal research, analysis, and advice concerning assigned suspected or confirmed data security incidents, data privacy, public data requests, requests for access or disclosure and related data governance matters to the DCT Data Privacy Office (DPO). The legal issues presented in the position generally involve the interpretation and application of statutes, administrative rules, court decisions, and other legal authorities to particular, routine and moderately complex facts and circumstances.

As a Data Privacy and Practices Attorney, you will:

• Conduct the legal research necessary to resolve assigned issues, exercise judgment in analyzing assigned matters, and identify legally supportable options within the established area of data privacy and related law.
• Interpret and apply to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), Minnesota Health Records Act (MHRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable state and federal requirements to assigned matters.
• Analyze the interaction of applicable laws and provide legally supportable options and recommendations to the Data Privacy Manager, Deputy General Counsel, and appropriate DCT staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school; AND
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota; AND
• One (1) year experience as a licensed attorney. Experience must demonstrate:
  • Experience conducting legal research, writing and analysis; and providing legal advice.
  • Knowledge of or ability to develop working knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), HIPAA, Minnesota health records and privacy laws, and other laws governing data privacy, confidentiality, and disclosure.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of professional legal ethics and attorney‑client relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing legal advice regarding data privacy, data practices, records management, or information governance, particularly under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), HIPAA, or other state and federal privacy laws.
• Experience leading or coordinating complex data privacy or records‑related projects involving multiple business areas, legal, technology, and other stakeholders.
• Experience with electronic discovery, document review, records searches, data collection, or e‑discovery/document review platforms.
• Experience analyzing complex or emerging data privacy issues and developing practical recommendations to address legal, operational, and technology considerations.
• Experience working with information technology or cybersecurity professionals to address data privacy, data security, electronic records, or data‑management issues.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving policies, procedures, standards, or processes related to data privacy, records, information governance, or electronic discovery.
• Experience working in a government, public‑sector, healthcare, or similarly highly regulated environment.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

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

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job‑related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

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
• Annual pay increases
• 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.