Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 4/26/2023
Closing Date: 5/10/2023
S1 Salary Range: $32.33 – $50.22 / hourly; $67,515 – $104,850 / annually
S2 Salary Range: $39.80 – $58.82 / hourly; $83,094 – $122,809 / annually
S3 Salaray Range: $44.77 – $72.37 / hourly: $93,480 – $151,116 / annually
Job Summary
The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison — one of Minnesota’s largest public law offices
and recognized as a 2022 Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota and 2023 Top Workplace
USA — 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 building an internal culture that supports that calling.
The Office seeks an experienced trial attorney to join its Education Division which is housed in
the Solicitor General’s Section of the Office. The lawyer’s primary caseload will involve
representing the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities in lawsuits and administrative proceedings. The lawyer will also advise and
represent one or more of the three public pension funds in litigation. This work may include
opportunities to defend claims that Minnesota statutes are unconstitutional or to work on cases of
state-wide impact.
The successful applicant will litigate cases in state and federal district courts, at the Office of
Administrative Hearings, and will advise agency clients during administrative appeals. In this
position, the lawyer will act as lead counsel in all phases of assigned cases, including pleading,
discovery, and trial with minimal oversight. In addition, the successful applicant will assist and
support other attorneys in the division on cases requiring more than one attorney.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and licensed to practice in the State
of Minnesota
Three years of complex civil litigation experience
An interest in handling cases involving complex statutory schemes
Proven ability to litigate autonomously and make strategic legal decisions as lead counsel
on a diverse caseload
Proven ability to counsel and advise clients throughout all stages of a case
Ability to travel to counties throughout the state
Experience using electronic files, case management tools, and e-discovery platforms
Proven ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and
members of the public
Excellent research and writing skills
Proven ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
Proven ability to work in an inclusive, creative and collaborative work environment
Along with a cover letter, applicants must also submit a writing sample of up to 5 pages.
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
Five or more years of complex litigation experience, including the use of experts at trial
Knowledge of state and federal education laws, knowledge of state and federal laws
governing public pensions, or a proven track record of handling cases that implicate
complex statutory schemes
Knowledge of administrative law
Appellate experience, including drafting briefs and arguing before appellate courts
Current admission to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and
the Eighth Circuit
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 Wednesday, May
10, 2023.
- Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
- Apply for posting number 65188
- Direct Link
- Applicants must submit a writing sample of up to 5 pages along with a cover
letter.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact K.C. Moua at
kc.moua@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1279.
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, and
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.