Assistant Attorney General – Commerce, Elections, and Trades

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 10/28/2024
Closing Date: 11/7/2024
S1 Salary Range: $36.40 - $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 - $119,997 / annually
S2 Salary Range: $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually
S3 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 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 seeking an attorney for its Commerce, Elections, and Trades Division. The division represents a variety of agencies in state and federal district and appellate courts, and in administrative proceedings. This position’s primary caseload will involve representing the Department of Commerce in cases before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This includes representing the Department in contested case proceedings before the Office of Administrative Hearings and at PUC meetings. These cases often relate to establishing gas and electric utility rates, but also include other energy- and telecom-related matters such as addressing legal issues related to Minnesota’s transition to clean energy, reviewing power plant operations and maintenance following outages, addressing the siting and routing of transmission lines and energy-generation facilities, and protecting consumers who face telephone-service quality issues.

The attorney may also work on other cases for the division, which represents a wide variety of agencies and boards both in general litigation and in licensing-enforcement matters. This includes work for the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Secretary of State, non-health licensing boards, and other boards, councils, and commissions.

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 ability to obtain licensure within 90 days of hire)
• An interest in handling energy and telecom related cases before administrative tribunals and occasionally in courts
• Outstanding writing, research, and oral communication/advocacy skills (a writing sample of up to five pages is required to be attached to a cover letter)
• Ability to:
  • litigate independently and collaboratively and to make strategic decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
  • 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

• At least 1-3 years of direct civil litigation experience
• Experience working on energy-related matters

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 Thursday, November 7, 2024.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers
• Apply for posting number 81360
  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 K.C. Moua at kc.moua@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1279.

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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

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.