Description

Hennepin County is hiring the Examiner of Titles. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of real estate law including the powers and duties of the District Court relative to registration of real estate titles; a reputation for fostering cooperation with a demonstrated ability to develop long range plans, resolve issues and problems, and coordinate projects; and excellent interpersonal and communication skills to direct a staff and to personally interact with elected officials, county officials, court leaders and the legal community.

In this role, you will perform duties of the Examiner of Titles as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 508 and 508A, including planning and directing the examination of titles for Hennepin County, conducting hearings in court cases involving registration of titles and registered land, and serving as legal advisor to the Registrar of Titles.
 
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both remotely and on-site at the Hennepin County Government Center building in downtown Minneapolis, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55487 as job duties require. Work hours are flexible and will primarily be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. 

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment.  About the position type:
This position is full-time, benefit-earning and unclassified. Unclassified positions are non-permanent (at will) and are not subject to HR law/rules. 

This position is internally classified as an Examiner of Titles
Click here to view the job classification specification. 

NOTE: You must attach a resume with your application materials to be considered for this position.

In this position, you will:

• Perform all statutory duties of the Examiner of Titles and oversee operations and staff in the Examiner of Titles department.
• Process applications and petitions in district court Torrens proceedings and CPT applications to register land; examine title to land and issue reports to the court; supervise all stages of land registration proceedings and proceedings subsequent to initial registration.
• Conduct hearings on Torrens cases placed on the land title calendar and other cases referred by District Court receive and review evidence; recommend entry of decrees and orders; review and analyze pleadings and briefs of counsel; draft recommended orders and memoranda of law.
• Issue certifications regarding probate transfers, trustee’s deeds, court ordered transfers, and Directives as authorized by statute.
• Serve as legal advisor and provide continuous assistance to the Registrar of Titles regarding the technical and legal workings and requirements of the Torrens system.
• Hire, supervise, and train support staff and deputy examiners; assign deputies to hear cases on the land title calendar; coordinate, review, and monitor deputy examiners’ work and projects.
• Evaluate performance of department employees.
• Develop, monitor, and control department budget.
• Assist attorneys, real estate professionals, lenders, title insurance company personnel, and landowners in processing documents, applications, and petitions regarding Torrens land.
• Develop and update instructional manuals and materials for customers of the Torrens system; keep examiner’s webpage current and helpful to customers.
• Prepare articles and deliver lectures regarding property issues to members of the bar, county recorders, and other persons and organizations interested in the Torrens system.
• Monitor legislation affecting real estate; coordinate the drafting and sponsorship of proposed legislation regarding the land registration act and related statues.

Need to have:

• Seven years or more of legal experience as an attorney with a focus on real property law.
• Three years or more of experience serving as an Examiner of Titles or Deputy Examiner of Titles. 
• A valid and current Minnesota license to practice law.

And the ability to demonstrate the Director competencies:

• Customer Focus – Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of current and potential customers; establish and maintain effective relationships with community groups; ability to communicate customer focus to the organization. 
• Integrity and Trust – Widely trusted; seen as a direct, truthful individual; keep confidences; admit mistakes; establish and maintain trusting and respectful relationships with others. 
• Create Vision & Purpose – Communicate a vision and sense of core purpose that is in line with that of the county; inspire and motivate all staff. 
• Relationship Management – Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with partners on the county, regional, state, and national level; establish effective partnerships with labor organizations; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with community, advisory boards, and elected officials. 
• Organizational Management – Direct and administer complex and changing programs and services. 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Foster commitment and build support for a diverse and inclusive organization that represents the residents we serve. 
• Leadership – Provide effective leadership to direct reports and the organization; experienced, and visionary leader with excellent people and communication skills; ability to link actions back to vision and mission. 
• Strategic Resource Management – Effectively manage a broad spectrum of resources including human resources, financial and capital projects, and technology.

Important attributes:

• Experience:
  • Managing, directing, and evaluating the work of other attorneys and support staff.
  • Developing long range plans, resolving issues, and coordinating projects.
  • Analyzing and applying legal principles, preparing legal documents, and preparing clear and logical statements of fact and conclusions of law. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of real property law, title examination and other court actions affecting title, and the powers and duties of the District Court relative to registration of real estate titles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to direct staff and to personally interact with elected officials, county officials, court leaders, and the legal community.
• Provide leadership to further department-based strategies that align with county goals, mission and core values for diversity, equity & inclusion. 

About the department:
The Examiner of Titles and Deputy Examiners are attorneys appointed by the judges of the district court to perform the judicial, administrative, and legal adviser duties specified in the Minnesota Land Registration Act, also sometimes called the Torrens Act. The office consists of the Examiner, 5 deputy examiners, and 3 administrative staff.  In Hennepin County, 41% of tax parcels are registered. This office assists the district court by examining titles, issuing reports and conducting hearings in court cases involving the registration of land titles and in court cases involving problems or disputes with land which has been previously registered.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals — that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.
 
Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (select Guest).
 
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
 
Your future. Made here.
 
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
 
Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates will be required to complete a background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:Abbie Hugunin
Abbie.Hugunin@hennepin.us