Assistant Attorney General
Post-Conviction Justice Division

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 4/17/2025
Closing Date: 4/30/2025
S1 Salary Range: $76,003 - $119,997 / annually
S2 Salary Range: $105,506 - $163,490 / annually
S3 Salary Range: $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 2025, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota for four years in a row and Top Workplace USA for four years in a row.

The Office of the Minnesota Attorney General is seeking an attorney to join its Post- Conviction Justice Division (PCJD) of the Office. The lawyer’s primary caseload will involve conducting comprehensive review of criminal convictions in cases involving cannabis convictions that come before the Cannabis Expungement Board (CEB). The lawyer will obtain and review conviction records, conduct further investigation as necessary, and make recommendations regarding expungement or resentencing. The lawyer will determine whether a conviction or stay of adjudication is eligible for an expungement or resentencing to a lesser offense and whether such action would create a risk to public safety. The work will include attending at least monthly meetings of the Cannabis Expungement Board.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment (combination of in-office work and telework).

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and actively licensed in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota
• Three years of criminal litigation experience as a prosecutor or public defender
• Proven ability to:
  • Exercise sound judgment
  • Manage a high caseload and coordinate multiple projects at once
  • Interact successfully with stakeholders and members of the public
  • Work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Excellent research and writing skills (a cover letter with writing sample is required with application submission)
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools

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

• Experience in criminal law; preference for background involving state court felony- controlled substance prosecutions and sentencing
• A commitment to criminal justice system case corrections
• Experience in representing state agencies, boards, commissions, or councils

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 Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
• Apply for posting number 85678
  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 Theresa Pinger at theresa.pinger@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 300-7162.

---

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.