Deputy General Counsel - General Counsel 1

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Deputy General Counsel in St. Paul to lead legal advisory activities for the Office of Higher Education. This role serves as the second-ranking legal officer, supervising multi-unit work and guiding policy-focused legal directions.

Requires a JD, Minnesota license, 5+ years of experience, and strong communication skills. This temporary position offers day shifts and a standard workweek, with opportunities to engage across state government.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• License in good-standing to practice law in Minnesota, with CLE requirements.
• Five (5) years of relevant legal experience.
• Strong knowledge of legal concepts and contracts.
• Superior communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Calm and professional demeanor with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel across agency programs.
• Supervise legal activities and guide decision-making.
• Advise on grants, financial aid, and federal processing.
• Coordinate with Attorney General and Governor's Office General Counsel.
• Interpret Minnesota statutes and administrative rules.

Skills

Juris Doctorate

Minnesota law license

5+ years legal experience

Legal concepts knowledge

Superior communication

Judgment and composure

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Working Title: Deputy General Counsel

Job Class: General Counsel 1

Agency: Minnesota Office of Higher Education

• Job ID: 97351
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Job Expected End Date: 11/02/2029
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/30/2026
• Closing Date: 10/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Higher Education / Manager's Plan
• Division/Unit: Legal and Compliance Division
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $102,346 - $155,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• 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.

The position serves as a focal point for several programs administered by the Office of Higher Education regarding all legal matters and issues. As the second-ranking legal officer in the agency, this role serves various mission-driven program units of the Agency by providing legal advice and counsel, legal direction, and supervision of legal activities. These functions may include guidance regarding the Office’s grants, financial aid, federal grant processing, and other activities.

Serves as one of the Office’s contacts with the Attorney General’s Office and Governor’s Office General Counsel, and an Office resource regarding Minnesota Statutes Chapter 136A, and Minnesota Administrative Rules 4800 through 4890.

The Deputy General Counsel manages legal work that includes the practice of law in multiple diverse areas of specialization. The Deputy General Counsel makes decisions independently with delegation for decision-making from the General Counsel and the Commissioner. The incumbent is given overall objectives but must determine how those objectives will be achieved.

This role is expected to demonstrate the following State of Minnesota leadership competencies: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organization, Leading Outside the Organization, and Getting Work Done.

This position is temporary, with current funding through November 2029.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
• License in good-standing to practice law in Minnesota, maintaining CLE requirements.
• Five (5) years of relevant legal experience.
• Considerable knowledge of legal concepts and the meaning and significance of various types of legal documents, such as contracts.
• Superior communication skills and the ability to relate and communicate effectively with a wide range of people and customers.
• Exercise overall sound judgment in a variety of situations and maintain a calm and professional demeanor in any situation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Admission to federal district court in Minnesota.
• Expert knowledge of strategic planning, management, and public policy development.
• Experience with bankruptcy proceedings.
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to position self and move sufficiently to perform repetitive tasks.
• Maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.
• Ability to travel to and from courthouses throughout the state.

Additional Requirements

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security Verification

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.