Special Counsel - Rule of Law (Solicitor General Section)

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 2/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/10/2025
SX Salary Range:

• S2 Full Salary Range: $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually
  S2 Current Active Range: $50.53 - $71.82 / hourly; $105,506 - $149,960 / annually
• S3 Full Salary Range: $54.12 - $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 - $174,494 / annually
  S3 Current Active Range: $54.12 – $82.38 / hourly; $113,002 - $172,000 / annually
  

Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid work environment

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 a Special Counsel – Rule of Law attorney to assist with the Attorney General’s efforts to protect the rule of law during this unprecedented period.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota (or ability to obtain licensures within 90 days of hire)
• At least six years of civil litigation experience (clerking can qualify as two years of the six-year minimum)
• An interest in handling high profile cases on behalf of the State in jurisdictions around the nation
• Experience litigating autonomously and making strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in large groups
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills (a writing sample of up to five pages is required with application submission)
• Ability to:
  • 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
  • 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 S3 level, candidates must have at least 12 years of directly related experience.  

Preferred Qualifications

• A judicial clerkship
• Complex civil litigation experience (including use of a document review tool, such as Everlaw, Relativity, etc.)

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 March 10, 2025.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
• Apply for posting number 84309
• 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 Sarah Spence-Myers at sarah.spence-myers@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1050.

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Why Work For Us 

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify; for more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities.If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at (651) 259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.