Assistant Attorney General
Wage Theft Division

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 5/24/2025
Closing Date: 6/10/2025
Staff Attorney 1 Salary Range: $36.40 - $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 - $119,997 / annually
Staff Attorney 2 Salary Range: $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually
Staff Attorney 3 Salary Range: $54.12 - $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 - $174,494 / annually
Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid

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 is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) to join the Wage Theft Division which is housed in the Consumer Protection Section of the Office.  As a wage theft attorney, you will have the opportunity to serve some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable and underserved communities.  While the Division’s work is for the benefit of all Minnesota workers, much of the Division’s enforcement actions are focused on unlawful wage and hour practices that target vulnerable and low-wage workers across the state, including immigrant communities and people of color.  In this position, you would be at the forefront of cutting-edge labor enforcement work that has a direct, measurable impact on the lives of Minnesota workers.

Wage theft attorneys can expect to participate in high-profile investigations and litigation in industries such as the gig economy, hospitality and restaurants, construction, healthcare and agriculture.  Such cases include, for example:  State v. Shipt, Inc.(allegations of misclassification of gig-economy “shoppers” as independent contractors); In re Bartmann Companies (failure to pay overtime and back wages to restaurant employees); and State v. Property Maintenance & Construction, LLC, et al. (allegations of intimidating construction workers from cooperating with investigation).

This position offers engaging, interesting, and fulfilling work well-suited to the experience level and interests of individual AAGs.  The Division does a good job of balancing the staffing needs of various investigations and cases with the interests of AAGs in particular subjects and industries.  AAGs are encouraged to take on more responsibility as their careers progress, and will receive ongoing training, leadership opportunities, professional development, and mentorship opportunities to support their growth.

If you are offered this position, you can expect to have a great deal of responsibility for and control over your daily work while also working with teams of attorneys who complement and cover for each other.  As an experienced AAG you will lead your own investigations and all aspects of civil litigation, including discovery, motion practice, oral argument, and resolving cases through trial or negotiated settlements.  You will be expected to manage your caseload to ensure matters are moving expeditiously.  You will also be expected to engage in public education and outreach to impacted communities, stakeholders, and advocates.  As a result, you will need to be able to interact with and understand persons from diverse backgrounds, languages, and cultures.

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

This is a limited position expected to last 1–2 years, depending on available funding. Extension beyond this period is not guaranteed but may be possible if additional funding is secured.

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 or current licensure within another state with ability to transfer licensure within 90 days of hire
• Outstanding writing, research, and oral advocacy skills (submission of a writing sample is required)
• Three or more years of civil litigation experience
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Experience using electronic files, case management tools, and e-discovery platforms

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

• Five or more years of complex civil litigation experience
• Knowledge of state and federal labor law
• Experience:
  • handling cases involving wage and hour issues
  • investigating and building cases for litigation, including government civil law enforcement actions
• Experience or academic background in economic rights and justice
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, or other relevant language for Minnesota’s population

Although labor, wage, and hour law experience is a strength, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is particularly interested in applications from litigators generally.  Attorneys with experience in class action litigation, employment litigation, commercial litigation, or other litigation fields are encouraged to apply.  Attorneys who lack the above-listed experience, but who have other experience that they believe would be relevant to the Division’s work are also encouraged to apply.  The Wage Theft Division may waive the need for significant litigation experience for attorneys who have significant experience in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, construction, and/or experience serving traditionally marginalized or underserved communities.

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, June 10, 2025.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
  • Apply for posting number 86460
• 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.

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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.