State Patrol Paralegal - Paralegal

Minnesota Department of Public Safety - DPS; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Public Safety - DPS is seeking a State Patrol Paralegal to support Staff Attorneys and command staff in administrative actions, litigation, and compliance matters. The role involves researching, organizing records, and drafting legal documents with attention to deadlines.

Qualifications include a paralegal certificate or degree and at least one year in a legal setting, plus familiarity with Excel/Smartsheets.

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal paralegal or legal assistant program resulting in certification or a degree.
• One (1) year of experience working in a legal setting.
• Experience managing data with software tools like Microsoft Excel, Smartsheets, or other database or case management programs.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal support to the Minnesota State Patrol Staff Attorneys and command staff in administrative actions, litigation, and related proceedings.
• Researches and gathers legal and factual information, prepares legal documents and case files, and assists with discovery and background checks.
• Ensures deadlines are met and that practices comply with laws, regulations, and policies while coordinating with attorneys.

Education

Paralegal certification or degree

Tools

Excel

Smartsheets

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and for all current Minnesota Department of Public Safety employees only. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service AND confirm their interest bid by emailing [e-mail] by 11:59 PM 10/13/2026.
• Date Posted: 10/07/2026
• Closing Date: 10/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Central Office District 2000 / State Patrol Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $30.20 - $38.81 / hourly; $63,057 - $81,035 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Town Square - 445 Minnesota St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: State Patrol Paralegal

Job Class: Paralegal

Agency: Public Safety Dept

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.

This position provides legal support services to the Minnesota State Patrol Staff Attorneys and command staff in matters involving administrative actions, litigation, and assisting attorneys in legal proceedings and compliance in areas affecting State Patrol operations. The incumbent is responsible for researching and gathering legal and factual information, reviewing and organizing records, preparing legal documents, case files, discovery materials, forfeiture records, Brady/Giglio requests, preemployment background checks, correspondence for attorney review, and assisting with the management of legal files and proceedings. The position works closely with attorneys to ensure legal matters are handled accurately, deadlines are met, and State Patrol practices comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. This person should have knowledge regarding the criminal court process and state data practices laws and disclosure obligations (Minn. Chap. 13).

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

To be qualified for and considered for this position, ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experiences sufficient for comparison against the requirements stated below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. A cover letter is strongly encouraged.

• Completion of a formal paralegal or legal assistant program resulting in certification or a degree
• One (1) year of experience working in a legal setting
• Experience managing data with software tools like Microsoft Excel, Smartsheets, or other database or case management programs
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are strongly desired of applicants seeking consideration for this position:

• Strong communication skills
• Experience, education, or training with legal cases, laws, statutes, regulations, court rules, policies, procedures, legal periodicals, and other legal authorities that are relevant to a particular issue
• Experience, education, or training in recognizing and comprehending legal documents such as court orders, notices of motion and legal memoranda and the ability to draft internal memos and email/letter correspondence to judges and attorneys.
• Experience collaborating with a legal team and external partners to meet business needs
• Strong organizational skills sufficient to identify and address priorities

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others, and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

• Criminal history
• Reference check
• Education verification
• Fingerprinting (MNJIS)
• SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Lund at [e-mail].

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Lund at [e-mail].

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

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.

For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the affirmative action division at [e-mail] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.