Description:  The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison — one of Minnesota’s largest public law offices and recently recognized as a Star Tribune 2021 Top Workplace — 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 could all work elsewhere but choose public service as a calling, and we are actively building an internal culture that supports that calling.

The Office is accepting applications from paralegals who have the professionalism, capabilities, and drive to perform the highest quality work on behalf of the people of Minnesota.  The selected candidate will work in the Public Safety Division.  The Public Safety Division represents the Minnesota Department of Public Safety on important constitutional, statutory, and administrative law matters.  Our paralegals perform meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

Responsibilities:  Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work cooperatively with all division staff in a fast-paced team setting to handle and process a high volume of files for court appearances
• Receive and review Implied Consent Petitions to identify possible legal challenges
• Open and maintain court files to ensure files contain all evidence required for court hearings and to identify all necessary witnesses
• Obtain and review arrest documents including incident recordings, police reports and search warrants and applications from law enforcement agencies and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Obtain and review documents from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, including test records and instrument records
• Schedule hearings with district court administrators, law enforcement agencies, police officers, criminal defense attorneys, forensic scientists at the BCA, and Petitioners
• Receive and process court notices and other court filings through the statewide district court electronic filing system
• Draft motions, subpoenas, memoranda, and correspondence necessary for the court proceeding
• Update database with hearing dates, continuances, waived hearings, file location, changes to witness or opposing counsel, and appeal notices

Qualifications:

• Completion of formal paralegal or legal assistant coursework from an accredited program that resulted in a program certificate in Paralegal Studies, associate degree or bachelor's degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies AND/OR two years of experience working as a paralegal, legal assistant, or equivalent paraprofessional legal support position
• Ability to handle a large volume of work while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally
• Strong organizational skills and ability, sufficient to identify and address priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Proven ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with court administrators, opposing counsel, law enforcement officers, and members of the public

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applicants should have strong attention to detail, good judgment, and a strong work ethic.  The position requires a paralegal who is highly organized, careful in handling sensitive or confidential information, and able to manage time effectively between frequent competing tasks

Why Work For Us:  We offer a great benefits package!  The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Public service with this office may qualify applicants to have part of their student loans forgiven under a federal student loan forgiveness program for state government employees.  (Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more information.)

Application Information:  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 November 8, 2021.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 49934

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.

Note:  The Attorney General’s Office greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity.  It is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or military status.  If you need reasonable accommodation for a disability, please call K.C. Moua at (651) 757-1279 or (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).