Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 6/14/2024

Closing Date: 7/2/2024

S1 Salary Level: $36.40 - $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 - $119,997 / annually

S2 Salary Level:  $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually

S3 Salary Level: $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 2024, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota and Top Workplace USA for three years in a row.

The Office is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General in the Education Division of the Office. The attorney’s primary caseload will involve representing the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in lawsuits and administrative proceedings.  The attorney may also advise and represent one or more of the three public pension funds in litigation.  This work may include opportunities to defend claims that Minnesota statutes are unconstitutional or to work on cases of state-wide impact.

A successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the mission of the office by:

• Litigating cases in state and federal district courts and at the Office of Administrative Hearings;
• Advising agency clients during administrative appeals; 
• Acting as lead counsel in all phases of assigned cases, including pleading, discovery, trial, and appeal with minimal oversight; 
• Assisting and supporting other attorneys in the division on cases requiring more than one attorney; and
• Responding 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
• Three years of complex civil litigation experience (clerkship experience will be considered)
• Experience using electronic files, case management tools, and e-discovery platforms
• Excellent research and writing skills (a cover letter with a writing sample of up to five pages are required with application submission)
• An interest in handling cases involving complex statutory schemes
• Ability to:
  • litigate autonomously and make strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
  • counsel and advise clients throughout all stages of a case
• Proven ability to:
  • contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
  • work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
  • multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting 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

• Five or more years of complex litigation experience, including the use of experts at trial
• Knowledge of state and federal education laws, knowledge of state and federal laws governing public pensions, or a proven track record of handling cases that implicate complex statutory schemes
• Knowledge of administrative law

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, July 2, 2024.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 77646
3. 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 K.C. Moua at kc.moua@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1279.