Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 1/6/2025

Closing Date: 1/28/2025

S1 Salary Range: $36.40 - $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 - $119,997 / annually; median salary is $86,360 annually

S2 Salary Range: $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually; median salary is $119,998 annually

S3 Salary Range: $54.12 - $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 - $174,494 / annually; median salary is $143,258 annually

Telework Eligible: Yes

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 for four years in a row and Top Workplace USA for three years in a row.
 

The Office is currently seeking to hire two Special Assistant Attorneys General working in the Office’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division.   The selected candidates will work through fellowships sponsored by the New York University School of Law State Energy & Environmental Impact Center (State Impact Center).  These are one-year positions that have the opportunity to continue after that year if funding remains available. Under the structure of the fellowships, the appointed attorneys will work solely under the direction of the Office but would be an employee of NYU. The non-partisan State Impact Center supports state attorneys general in defending and promoting clean energy, climate, and environmental laws and policies. More information about the State Impact Center can be found at https://stateimpactcenter.org/.

The Special Assistant Attorneys will represent the State and its executive branch agencies, with a focus on multi-state and state litigation that supports and strengthens Minnesota’s strong protection of natural resources.  Prior experience in environmental litigation is desirable, but not a requirement for the positions.  The ENR Division has a very diverse practice, with no close analog in private practice.  The Division seeks attorneys who excel at practicing in new areas.

The attorneys we seek for both positions will handle all aspects of their assigned cases – including pleadings, dispositive motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal.  Since cases can be venued anywhere in the state, periodic travel throughout Minnesota may be required.

These positions are eligible for hybrid work environment. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA
• Actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota (or current licensure within another state with ability to transfer licensure immediately upon hire)
• An interest in environmental law and protecting the State’s environment and natural resources
• Desire and interest in litigating autonomously and making strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills (a writing sample is required with application submission)
• Ability to:
  • travel to counties throughout the state
  • multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
  • contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
• Proven ability to work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment

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 at least 6 years of directly related experience.  To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have at least 12 years of directly related experience.   

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in environmental litigation or advocacy
• A background in federal administrative law challenges

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, January 28, 2025

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 82965

Or 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 Brooke Seekins at brooke.seekins@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 300-7025.

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.

The Special Assistant Attorney General will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave through NYU. The candidate is also eligible to participate in a retirement plan through NYU.

For information regarding benefits for this fellowship, please visit NYU’s website at: https://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/professional-research-staff.html.

For more information regarding the fellowship program, please visit NYU’s website at: https://stateimpactcenter.org/about/fellows-program/.

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.