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ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL – EDUCATION DIVISION

Minnesota Office of the Attorney General

Posted 6 months ago

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants 

Date Posted: 6/14/2024 

Closing Date: 7/2/2024 

S1 Salary Level: $36.40 – $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 – $119,997 / annually S2 Salary Level: $50.53 – $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 – $163,490 / annually S3 Salary Level: $54.12 – $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 – $174,494 / 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 2024, has been  recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota and Top Workplace USA for three years in a row. 

The Office is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General in the Education Division of  the Office. The attorney’s primary caseload will involve representing the Minnesota  Department of Education and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in lawsuits and  administrative proceedings. The attorney may 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. 

A successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the mission of the office by: 

• Litigating cases in state and federal district courts and at the Office of  Administrative Hearings; 

• Advising agency clients during administrative appeals;  

• Acting as lead counsel in all phases of assigned cases, including pleading,  discovery, trial, and appeal with minimal oversight;  

• Assisting and supporting other attorneys in the division on cases requiring more  than one attorney; and 

• Responding to citizen inquiries. 

This position requires travel to counties throughout the state. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment. 

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 (clerkship experience will be  considered) 

• Experience using electronic files, case management tools, and e-discovery  platforms 

• Excellent research and writing skills (a cover letter with a writing sample of up to  five pages are required with application submission) 

• An interest in handling cases involving complex statutory schemes • Ability to:  

o litigate autonomously and make strategic legal decisions as lead counsel  on a diverse caseload 

o counsel and advise clients throughout all stages of a case 

• Proven ability to:  

o contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and  members of the public 

o work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment o multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines 

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 

• 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 

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  Tuesday, July 2, 2024. 

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;  

2. Apply for posting number 77646 

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 K.C. Moua at  kc.moua@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1279. 

Why Work For Us  

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  

o Fertility care, including IVF 

o Diabetes care 

o 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 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.

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.

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