Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 2/23/2024

Closing Date: 3/8/2024

LA5 Salary Range: $52,500 - $78,500 annually

LA6 Salary Range: $59,000 - $86,500 annually

LA7 Salary Range: $66,000 - $99,570 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 Office is currently seeking a Paralegal in the Criminal Division.

The Criminal Division handles complex felony prosecutions on behalf of county attorneys throughout the State of Minnesota.  The paralegal serves a vital role in these prosecutions: the paralegal acts as litigation support from the investigation stage through charging, pretrial motions, and trial. 

A successful candidate in this position will be able to:

• Organize, review, and produce discovery
• Schedule and attend meetings with witnesses and law enforcement
• Assist prosecutors with preparation and trial management and attend court proceedings
• Create summaries and prepare case-related documents to assist with litigation
• Coordinate witnesses for hearings and trial
• Prepare exhibits for hearings and trial
• Provide direct support for attorneys at hearings and trial
• Utilize document, case management, e-discovery, and audio/video software Manage an active caseload, multitask, and meet tight deadlines
• Exhibit professionalism, respect, and cultural awareness and sensitivity in interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Work cooperatively with county attorney offices throughout the state
• Work cooperatively with victim witness coordinator and assist with victim notification as needed  

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of formal paralegal coursework from an accredited program that resulted in a program certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree OR two years of experience working in a litigation setting as a paralegal or equivalent legal support position
• Knowledge of court procedures and legal terminology sufficient to support criminal prosecution team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to travel to counties across the State
• Contribute positively to a team and an inclusive and collaborative work environment
• Show excellent judgment, character, and work ethic
• Demonstrated competency in the above-noted job responsibilities

To be considered at the LA6 level, candidates must have 6 years of related experience.  

To be considered at the LA7 level, candidates must have 12 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working in a litigation setting as a paralegal or equivalent legal support position
• Criminal trial experience Experience with discovery management platforms

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 Friday, March 8, 2024.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 74222
3. Direct Link

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.