Deputy General Counsel

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

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's Commerce Department is seeking a Deputy General Counsel in St. Paul to lead legal advisory for assigned units, manage risk, and oversee regulatory proposals.

You will provide direct counsel to agency leadership, supervise litigation direction, and coordinate the RAD, Grants, Data Governance, and Contracts teams to meet department goals. Hybrid schedule with up to 50% telework; applicants must have a J.D., Minnesota license, and at least five years of advanced legal

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of advanced legal experience in litigation and/or administrative law.
• 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
• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead legal advisor for assigned Commerce business units to realize the department's mission and goals.
• Provide litigation direction and assistance and advise and drafts legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Advise agency leadership with direct legal advice and guidance.
• Lead the Department's Resource Acquisition and Distribution (RAD) team related to grants management, Data Governance staff, and Contracts team to meet department goals.

Skills

Legal leadership

Communication skills

Judgment and professionalism

Litigation experience

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Minnesota law license

Job description

Working Title: Deputy General Counsel

Job Class: General Counsel 1

Agency: Commerce Department

• Job ID : 97385

• 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 : 11/3/2026

• 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

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of advanced legal 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.