Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 3/20/2024

Closing Date: 4/3/2024

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

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 Public Safety Division serves an important role within the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General. Lawyers in the Public Safety Division represent the Commissioner of Public Safety on matters involving implied consent, revocations, forfeitures, and title matters; provide advice, counsel and representation to several boards; and respond to citizen inquiries. The work includes frequent court appearances including evidentiary hearings/trials in district court and before the Office of Administrative Hearings, appellate advocacy, and other civil litigation. 

The successful applicant will be able to:

• prepare matters for trial, including motions, witness preparation, and discovery;
• appear in court remotely and in person;
• draft post-hearing legal memorandum and appellate briefs;
• manage a large and dynamic case load and discovery;
• advise clients and boards;
• respond 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 or ability to obtain licensure within 90 days of hire
• Excellent research and writing skills (a cover letter with writing sample is required with application submission)
• Strong research, analytical, and trial strategy skills
• Ability to:
  • Travel to counties throughout the state
  • Contribute positively to an inclusive, creative team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public.
  • Multitask by managing an active caseload and meet 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 

• Litigation experience, including district court clerkship
• Appellate experience, including drafting briefs or appellate court clerkship
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools

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, April 3, 2024.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 75072

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.