Assistant Attorney General
Education Division

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 6/14/2024
Closing Date: 7/11/2024
S1 Salary Level: $36.40 - $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 - $119,997 / annually
S2 Salary Level:  $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually
S3 Salary Level: $54.12 - $83.57 / hourly; $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 2024, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota and Top Workplace USA for three years in a row.

The Office is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General in the Education Division of the Office. The attorney’s primary caseload will involve representing the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in lawsuits and administrative proceedings.  The attorney may also advise and represent one or more of the three public pension funds in litigation.  This work may include opportunities to defend claims that Minnesota statutes are unconstitutional or to work on cases of state-wide impact.

A successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the mission of the office by:

• Litigating cases in state and federal district courts and at the Office of Administrative Hearings;
• Advising agency clients during administrative appeals; 
• Acting as lead counsel in all phases of assigned cases, including pleading, discovery, trial, and appeal with minimal oversight; 
• Assisting and supporting other attorneys in the division on cases requiring more than one attorney; and
• Responding to citizen inquiries.

This position requires travel to counties throughout the state.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota
• Three years of complex civil litigation experience (clerkship experience will be considered)
• Experience using electronic files, case management tools, and e-discovery platforms
• Excellent research and writing skills (a cover letter with a writing sample of up to five pages are required with application submission)
• An interest in handling cases involving complex statutory schemes
• Ability to:
  • litigate autonomously and make strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
  • counsel and advise clients throughout all stages of a case
• Proven ability to:
  • contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
  • work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
  • multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of complex litigation experience, including the use of experts at trial
• Knowledge of state and federal education laws, knowledge of state and federal laws governing public pensions, or a proven track record of handling cases that implicate complex statutory schemes
• Knowledge of administrative law

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, July 11, 2024.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
• Apply for posting number 77646
• 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.