Staff Attorney

LMNC; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 77,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

LMNC in Minnesota seeks a Staff Attorney to research and respond to inquiries on municipal government topics for member cities and state agencies. The role involves writing detailed analyses, updating materials, and collaborating across departments.

Candidates must be licensed in Minnesota, have strong research and writing skills, and be able to manage multiple tasks, including occasional travel. Open until filled; first review September 14, 2026.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Minnesota required.
• Strong knowledge of municipal law or related areas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to generate computer-supported work products (databases, spreadsheets, word processing).
• Experience in researching legal issues and preparing concise analyses.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries from member cities, city attorneys, and state agencies.
• Conduct legal and policy research on municipal topics and draft detailed responses.
• Update and write materials such as Handbooks and memos.
• Deliver presentations on municipal law topics as requested.
• Collaborate with other League departments and external groups.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral communication

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Education

Licensed attorney in Minnesota

Tools

Aptify

Job description

Position Summary

To research and answer a variety of oral and written inquiries on topics related to municipal government, with legal, policy, governance, management, and service delivery implications, by member cities, city attorneys, and state agencies which reflect considerable knowledge of local government. Participate in various roles on projects of department- or League-wide scope. Research, update and write materials on municipal law, legislative or loss-control topics.Provide interdepartmental legal analysis and research assistance.

Hiring Range:

Staff Attorney I 1-2+ yrs exp. $77,300 – $96,600

Staff Attorney II 3+ yrs exp. $93,500 – $116,900

Open until filled, first review of applications September 14, 2026

Essential Job Duties

• Receives and responds to daily inquiries on issues facing city governments which include various areas of law and public policy.
• Conducts research to formulate responses at a level of complexity and efficiency reflecting professional licensure and some knowledge of local government and government resources such as:
  • Finding applicable statute, case law, and internal materials.
  • Utilizing League databases and archives to locate and retrieve internal materials such as articles, attorney general opinions or memoranda.
  • Utilizing Internet or other online resources.
  • Reading and analyzing all relevant data.
  • Integrating findings in a comprehensive response.
  • Understanding of the legislative process and ability to review legislation for municipal impact.
  • Contacting state and federal agencies, professional associations, and others for information, interpretation of rules or other assistance
• Writes detailed responses to inquiries.
• Documents responses according to department guidelines.
• Perform projects of department- or League-wide scope such as membership on committees or serving as liaison to outside groups as needed.
• Writes and/or revise research materials on municipal law topics such as:
  • Handbook for Minnesota Cities
  • Governing and Managing Information Memos
  • Magazine or Cities Bulletin articles.
• Develops areas of expertise on municipal government topics, such as city charters, fire departments, or data practices.
• Reviews trends in relevant caselaw, policy, and administrative law decisions affecting cities.
• Develops and demonstrates a competent understanding of the structure of municipal, State, and Federal governance.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on specific areas of municipal law to cities, attorneys, or other groups, as requested.
• Partner with and/or provide research support to other League departments, as needed.
• Maintains courteous and helpful working relationships with staff, League board members, city attorneys, affiliate organizations and state agencies.
• Communicates with Insurance Trust personnel on potential claims, contacts from represented parties, loss control issues or other liability concerns as appropriate.

Core qualifications & Desirables

• Licensed as an attorney in Minnesota.
• Knowledge of municipal law or a related area of law.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures involved in research.
• Ability to generate computer-supported work products including, but not limited to, navigating computer databases and online services, organizing information in electronic formats such as databases and spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Ability to identify legal or risk management concerns from member questions.
• Ability to explain in writing and orally policies, proposals and legal materials to people with varying backgrounds and familiarity with the material.
• Availability for some overnight travel (8-12 nights per year)
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License

Desirable Qualifications:

• Some knowledge of the organization/operation of government.
• Some experience with legal and policy issues of cities.

Examples of Performance Criteria

• Produces accurate responses after investigating necessary sources.
• Writes concise, organized responses to member inquiries and documents responses.
• Responds completely to questions, including addressing important issues that the requestor may not know enough to ask.
• Completes 90% of inquiries within 72 hours of receipt.
• Respond to proportionate share of department’s overall inquiries.
• Document inquiries completely in Aptify immediately upon completion as often as possible but no later than the Friday after completion.
• Takes initiative to develop special interest areas of value to department. Takes advantage of and requests training opportunities.
• Works effectively under limited supervision to set priorities and complete work within deadlines.
• Meets or exceeds League Empowerment and Performance Program (LEAPP) results/timelines and other department performance measures.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion objectives, including race equity objectives, defined by the League and continually examines own performance to eliminate implicit bias in carrying out duties and interacting with the public, coworkers, and members.