Legal Analyst

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Affordable health insurance

Training and professional development

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is seeking a Legal Analyst for the Paid Family and Medical Leave division in St. Paul.

You will perform intake duties on appeals, determine timeliness and proper parties, and prepare cases for hearings or, where possible, resolve matters without hearings. Responsibilities include drafting orders and subpoenas, preparing transcripts, and helping shape startup processes for paid leave appeals.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in a position that requires critical analysis, collecting and organizing facts or data, and writing and editing legal, or other highly technical documents.

Responsibilities

• Intake Duties: Receive appeals daily; determine timeliness and applicable exceptions; identify proper parties and potential bias.
• Case Preparation: Gather evidence, prepare hearings, and assign appropriate judicial actions.
• Legal Writing: Draft order opinions, legal orders, and subpoenas.
• Transcripts: Prepare transcripts of hearings.
• Start-up Spirit: Contribute to building the Paid Leave appeals capabilities and processes.

Skills

Legal Analysis

Legal Writing

Effective Communication

Case Management

Research

Interpersonal Skills

Job description

Job Class: Legal Analyst

• Job ID: 97584
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 10/15/2026
• Date Posted: 10/09/2026
• Closing Date: 10/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Job Class: Legal Analyst

• Job ID: 97584
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 10/15/2026
• Date Posted: 10/09/2026
• Closing Date: 10/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

About the Paid Leave Division:

Paid Leave is a new program that has launched at the start of 2026. The program provides partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who are out of work due to a qualifying condition, such as a severe health condition that prevents them from working, or when they need time to care for a family member or a new child. We are building a program that will be easy for every Minnesotan to use. We are engaging the people who depend on us—workers, employers, caregivers, and insurers—to learn from them and build the program around their needs. We are using modern service delivery and product practices to deliver the program. The Paid Leave team has high standards and an unrelenting commitment to serving Minnesotans. It is a start‑up environment without legacy systems or preconceived ways of working, so we have a unique opportunity to create human‑centric processes and systems to deliver this new benefit to Minnesotans.

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to perform intake functions for Paid Leave appeals filed by applicants and employers as authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 268B. Paid Leave Legal Analysts will examine incoming appeals for jurisdiction including timeliness, good cause exceptions, and proper parties, analyze the substance of the appeal to determine whether the matter may be resolved in an appellate process that does not require an evidentiary hearing, or whether the matter must be scheduled before a Paid Leave Judge for a hearing. If the matter may be resolved absent a hearing, this position will take steps, including drafting order opinions, to do so. If not, this position will prepare the case for hearing for assignment to a Paid Leave Judge. This position will also draft subpoenas and other orders, and prepare transcripts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Intake Duties: Receive appeals daily. Determine timeliness, whether a good cause exception applies, and legal issues presented. Review appeals for complexity, ensure proper parties are identified, and review/identify any allegations of bias.
• Case Preparation: Gather additional evidence as needed, prepare cases for hearing, and identify appropriate judicial assignment. Case preparation may include calling parties to request more information, determine hearing scheduling needs, and legal research.
• Legal Writing: Draft order opinions, legal orders, and subpoenas.
• Transcripts: Prepare transcripts of hearings.
• Start-up Spirit: We’re a start‑up within state government; you are excited to play a key role in developing the organization, processes, and systems required to deliver the appeals capabilities for Paid Leave.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This position is based out of St. Paul.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience in a position that requires critical analysis, collecting and organizing facts or data, and writing and editing legal, or other highly technical documents.

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

• Skill in communicating effectively, both in person and by phone, with individuals who may be experiencing stress, legal frustrations, or communication barriers, while gathering accurate and relevant information and clearly, neutrally explaining procedures, rights, and requirements to people with varied levels of legal knowledge.
• Ability to organize, apply, and analyze laws, rules, or program policies sufficient to evaluate complex or sensitive information, identify relevant facts and issues, prepare hearings, and make other recommendations and decisions, with awareness of procedural fairness principles in a high-volume environment with tight deadlines.
• Skill in legal or analytical writing, such as drafting case summaries, decisions, orders, or official correspondence that clearly explains reasoning and outcomes.
• Ability to use case management systems, word processing tools, and other technology required to manage appeals, draft documents, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to receive and apply feedback, embrace constructive direction from supervisors, and contribute actively to a culture of excellence and ongoing improvement.
• Ability to thrive in a startup environment by effectively pivoting between tasks, handling changing priorities and procedures, and managing interruptions without losing momentum or quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in customer service roles—such as in hospitality, retail, or other public facing environments—that foster interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to effectively understand diverse needs and concerns and respond appropriately.
• Experience designing, documenting, and implementing new or improved operational processes and procedures, demonstrating flexibility and start up spirit, particularly in start‑up, transitional, or evolving environments.
• Experience working directly with administrative law judges or in an administrative hearing environment.
• Skills in project management or experience managing legal workflows and deadlines in a high‑volume setting.
• Experience with Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, Human Services, Unemployment Insurance, or other related health care laws and regulations.
• Skill in communicating in a secondary language (especially Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Khmer, Russian, Lao, Vietnamese, or Karen).
• 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

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver's License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Timothy High at [e-mail]

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
• 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.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at [e-mail]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.