Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 3/29/2024

Closing Date: 5/7/2024

S1 Salary Range: $36.40 – $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 – $119,997 / annually

S2 Salary Range: $50.53 – $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 – $163,490 / annually

S3 Salary Range: $54.12 – $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 – $174,494 / annually

Telework Eligible: Yes

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 three years in a row.

The Office is currently seeking three attorneys who will work in the in the Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Division of the Office.

Two positions are for Assistant Attorneys General (AAG) in the ENR Division. The ENR Division represents state agencies, the Office, and the people of Minnesota in matters impacting the environment and the responsible uses of the State’s natural resources. The primary tasks of the appointed attorneys will be to represent State agencies in enforcement matters and their permitting and regulatory decisions.

The third position is for a Special Assistant Attorney General to serve as a fellow sponsored by the New York University School of Law State Energy & Environmental Impact Center (State Impact Center). The Special Assistant Attorney will focus on litigation and regulatory matters designed to combat climate change and foster and improve clean energy initiatives. The position is guaranteed for one year and has the opportunity to continue after that year if funding remains available. Under the structure of this fellowship, the appointed attorney will work solely under the direction of the Office but would be an employee of NYU. The non-partisan State Impact Center supports state attorneys general in defending and promoting clean energy, climate, and environmental laws and policies. More information about the State Impact Center can be found at https://www.law.nyu.edu/centers/state-impact.

Prior experience in environmental litigation is not a requirement for the positions.  The ENR Division has a very diverse practice, with no close analog in private practice.  The division seeks attorneys who can excel at practicing in new areas.

The attorneys we seek for these positions will handle all aspects of a set of assigned cases – including dispositive motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal.  Since some cases can be venued anywhere in the state, periodic travel throughout Minnesota may be required.

These positions are eligible for hybrid work environment.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA
• Actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota 
• An interest in environmental law and protecting the State’s environment and natural resources
• Desire and interest in litigating autonomously and making strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools 
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills (a cover letter with a writing sample of up to five pages is required with application)
• Ability to:
  • travel to counties throughout the state
  • multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
  • contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
• Proven ability to 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

• A background in environmental litigation or advocacy 

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, May 7, 2024.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 74729

(Direct Link)

3. 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  

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.