Paralegal – Human Services

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 6/17/2024
Closing Date: 7/3/2024
LA5 Salary Range: $25.14 - $37.60/hourly; $52,492 - $78,508/annually
LA6 Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43/hourly; $59,006 - $86,505/annually
LA7 Salary Range: $31.61 - $47.69/hourly; $66,001 - $99,576/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 a Paralegal in the Human Services Division of the Office.The Human Services Division handles a broad range of matters, including class actions, constitutional claims in state and federal court, and administrative proceedings. This Division performs meaningful and challenging work that makes a difference in the lives of Minnesotans. Supporting the Division’s litigation matters, a paralegal in the Human Services Division will have the following responsibilities:

• Drafting pleadings
• Preparing exhibits for hearings and trials
• Obtaining, reviewing, and redacting documents for production
• Supporting attorneys in depositions and hearings
• Summarizing deposition transcripts
• Supporting trial teams
• Checking citations both for factual support and for formal adherence to the Bluebook
• Completing a range of tasks using the discovery management platform Everlaw

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of formal paralegal or legal assistant coursework from an accredited program which resulted in a program certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience as a paralegal or legal assistant

AND

• Three or more years of experience working in a litigation setting as a paralegal or equivalent paraprofessional legal support position

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate:

• Knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology, legal document formatting, and proper citation requirements needed to draft and file legal documents;
• Outstanding research and analytical skills;
• Strong organizational skills, sufficient to identify and address priorities;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Proven abilities 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; and
• Show excellent judgement, character, and work ethic.

To be considered at the Legal Assistant 6 (LA6) level applicants must have 6 or more years related experience.

To be considered at the Legal Assistant 7 (LA7) level applicants must have 12 or more years related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with administrative agencies in Minnesota
• Trial experience
• Experience with discovery management platforms

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, July 3, 2024.

• Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
• Apply for posting number 77581
• Direct Link

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Grace Cabrera at (651) 757-1280 or grace.cabrera@ag.state.mn.us.

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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.