Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 3/14/2024

Closing Date: 4/1/2024

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

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

S3 Salary Range: $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 a Assistant Attorney General in the Post-conviction Justice Division (PCJD) of the Office. The lawyer’s primary caseload will involve conducting comprehensive review of criminal convictions in cases involving cannabis convictions that come before the Cannabis Expungement Board (CEB).  The lawyer will obtain and review conviction records, conduct further investigation as necessary, and make recommendations regarding expungement or resentencing.  The lawyer will determine whether a conviction or stay of adjudication is eligible for an expungement or resentencing to a lesser offense and whether such action would create a risk to public safety.  The work will include attending at least monthly meetings of the Cannabis Expungement Board.  In addition, the lawyer will assist the CEB in legal issues related to its formation, functions and operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota or ability to obtain licensure within 90 days of hire
• Three years of criminal litigation experience as a prosecutor or public defender
• Excellent research and writing skills (a cover letter with writing sample is required with application submission)
• Ability to:
  • Exercise good judgment
  • Manage a high caseload and coordinate multiple projects at once
  • Contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients, members of the public, and other stakeholders
  • Work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment

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

• Experience in criminal law; preference for background involving state court felony controlled substance prosecutions and sentencing
• A commitment to criminal justice system case corrections
• Experience in representing state agencies, boards, commissions, or councils
• Experience using electronic files, case management tools, and e-discovery platforms

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 Monday, April 1, 2024.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 74911
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.