Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 11/3/2023

Closing Date: 11/16/2023

S1 Salary Level: $76,000 – $120,000 annually

S2 Salary Level: $105,500 – $163,500 annually

S3 Salary Level: $113,000 – $174,500 annually

Job Summary

The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.  We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who choose public service as a calling, and we are actively and intentionally committed to supporting an internal culture that affirms that calling. The Office is one of Minnesota’s largest public law offices and as of 2023, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota for three years in a row and Top Workplace USA for two years in a row.

The Office is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in the Human Services Division of the Office.

The Human Services Division provides litigation services and legal counsel to the Department of Human Servies (DHS), the state’s largest agency. AAGs in the division represent DHS in a broad range of cases involving health care, licensing, children and family services, and civil commitment. AAGs regularly handle cases in state and federal district court, state and federal appellate courts, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Human Services Division AAGs have regularly argued at the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and the Eighth Circuit. Attorneys also frequently appear in evidentiary hearings and trials in a variety of forums.

A successful candidate in this position will be able to:

• Represent DHS in different forums – from state and federal courts to administrative agency appeals
• Work on all aspects of civil litigation, from initial answer or Rule 12 motion, through discovery, motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal
• Work collaboratively with attorneys both within the division and at DHS
• Work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
• Travel occasionally throughout Minnesota, as cases can be venued anywhere in the state

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota (or able to obtain licensure within 90 days of hire)
• Outstanding writing, research, and oral communication/advocacy skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact successfully with clients, stakeholders, and members of the public
• Detail-oriented and proven ability to multitask, including by managing an active caseload or multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines
• Commitment to public service
• Ability to travel to counties across the state

IMPORTANT! All applicants must prepare two documents to upload and submit with their application: 1) Resume; and 2) A cover letter with a writing sample (of up to five pages) in one document.

To be considered at the S2 level, candidates must have 6 years of related experience. 

To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have 12 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 or more years of civil litigation experience encompassing all stages (ESI and document review, written discovery, depositions, motion practice, trials, appeals)
• Experience using electronic files, systems, and case management tools
• Previous experience in public sector work or representation

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply online through the State of Minnesota Careers website, which is the State’s official application and hiring site. The deadline for applications is Thursday, November 16, 2023.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 70963
3. Direct Link

Do not forget to upload: 1) Resume; and 2) A cover letter with a writing sample (of up to five pages).

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Jake Pleschourt at jake.pleschourt@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1057.

Why Work For Us 

Diverse Workforce

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence, fostering understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive service to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.