Deputy General Counsel

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Pension plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Holidays and health benefits

Job summary

The Deputy General Counsel at the Commerce Department in Minnesota serves as the lead legal advisor for assigned business units, guiding litigation strategy and advising on complex issues. The role includes drafting legislative and regulatory proposals, and leading cross-functional teams within RAD, Data Governance, and Contracts to meet department goals.

Qualified candidates will have five years of advanced legal experience in litigation or administrative law, a JD from an accredited school,

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of advanced legal experience in litigation and/or administrative law.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• A current license to practice law in Minnesota is required prior to appointment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience directing, coordinating, developing, or managing staff, teams, or complex projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including agency leadership, employees, stakeholders, and external parties.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead legal advisor for assigned Commerce units to advance department goals.
• Provide litigation direction and advise on complex legal issues, balancing risk exposure and operational needs.
• Draft legislative and regulatory proposals and advise agency leadership directly.
• Oversee and guide the RAD team for grants management, Data Governance, and Contracts.
• Act as alternate for the General Counsel when assigned.

Skills

Litigation experience

Administrative law

Leadership

Communication

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Current license to practice law in Minnesota

Job description

Working Title: Deputy General Counsel
Job Class: General Counsel 1
Agency: Commerce Department

• Job ID: 97385
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/14/2026
• Closing Date: 11/3/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept
• Division/Unit: Legal Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Any Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $108,346 - $155,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 / Managerial Plan

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

Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs. Telework can be outside of the State of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location. Primary work location will be the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.

Internal candidates should contact the Human Resources Representative listed on the job posting with questions.

The Deputy General Counsel acts as the lead legal advisor for assigned Commerce business units to realize the mission and goals of the Department. The Deputy General Counsel acts independently and advises on complex legal issues a focus on appropriate consideration of risk exposure and balancing of operational needs. This position provides litigation direction and assistance and advises and drafts legislative and regulatory proposals. The attorney in this Deputy General Counsel role is responsible for regularly providing direct advice to agency leadership. This position is also responsible for leading the Department’s Resource Acquisition and Distribution (RAD) team related to grants management, Data Governance staff, and Contracts team to meet the Department's goals.

The position holder serves as an alternate for the General Counsel when assigned. The position holder reports directly to the General Counsel and must have a high degree of technical and procedural experience in Department subject matter and legal areas. This employee is an experienced attorney who advises the agency and can 1) claim privilege over communications and work product; and 2) give privileged legal advice.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of advanced l egal experience in litigation and/or administrative law in a law firm, government agency, or as in-house counsel.

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school

A current license in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota is required prior to appointment

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Demonstrated leadership experience directing, coordinating, developing, or managing the work of staff, teams, or complex projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences, including agency leadership, employees, stakeholders, and external parties.

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound independent judgment, assess complex issues, and maintain professionalism in challenging or sensitive situations.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of and experience applying state and federal laws and regulations related to insurance, financial institutions, or energy.

• Experience planning and delivering complex legal information to non-legal audiences.
• Experience working with other state agencies, the Legislature, the legal professional community, advocacy groups, and the public.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.

Additional Requirements

Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and drivers’ license check prior to appointment.

About Commerce Department

Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.

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.