Job Summary

This vacancy may be used to fill multiple positions and could be filled the Staff Attorney 1, Staff Attorney 2, or Staff Attorney 3 classification. The final job class for the position will be determined based on the selected finalists' qualifications.

This position exists to provide the Department of Public Safety with legal expertise to support the Department’s compliance with state and federal laws. This position will act on behalf of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel as delegated. DPS Associate General Counsel are assigned to primarily support specific business units but may also be required to provide legal services throughout the Department as needed. Current vacancies will primarily support Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Emergency Communication Networks (ECN), and Fiscal and Administrative Services (FAS). Associate General Counsel provide expert legal advice and related services to ensure compliance with state and federal laws that govern Departmental operations. The individuals in these positions will be responsible for providing advice on sophisticated and often novel legal issues. Associate General Counsel interpret and provide advice on matters that are governed by complex and changing state and federal statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions. The Associate General Counsel will be expected to become subject matter experts on the laws that govern their assigned business units and to stay abreast of legal developments impacting department operations. Associate General Counsel may assist in the review and drafting of proposed legislation and rulemaking. Associate General Counsel also advise on, draft, and review contracts, interagency agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents. Associate General Counsel provide strategic direction on Department operations to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and to minimize legal exposure. Associate General Counsel also work strategically with Department staff and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office when necessary to advance the Department’s interests in litigated matters.

These positions may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mixture of telework and working in our office.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for Staff Attorney 1

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and current with continuing legal education requirements.
• Ability to efficiently research, learn, and analyze novel and complex legal issues.
• Ability to contribute positively as member of team and interact successfully with clients and stakeholders.
• Exceptional analytical skills.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Minimum Qualifications for Staff Attorney 2

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and current with continuing legal education requirements.
• At the time of application, must have three (3) years of legal experience as a practicing attorney which must include conducting legal research, writing, and analysis of various and complex legal issues for the last three (3) years.
• Experience providing legal advice to senior management or executives.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws that govern the operations of state agencies with special emphasis on laws impacting agencies with public safety missions.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Minimum Qualifications for Staff Attorney 3

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and current with continuing legal education requirements.
• At the time of application, must have five (5) years of legal experience as a practicing attorney which must include conducting legal research, writing, and analysis of various and complex legal issues for the last five (5) years.
• Provision of legal advice interpreting complex statutes, regulations, and court orders.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Experience providing legal advice to senior management or executives.
• Experience providing legal advice and representation on Minnesota Government Data Practices Act issues and other complex statutes and regulations impacting the operations of government entities.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws that govern the operations of state agencies with special emphasis on laws impacting agencies with public safety missions.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data, and provide protection of not public data.
• Experience planning and delivering complex legal briefings to non-legal audiences.
• Experience working with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and/or State government agencies. 
• Experience in litigation practices and techniques, assessment of legal risk, knowledge of negotiation and settlement strategies and techniques, and legal considerations related to settling or compromising lawsuits.
• Experience determining and advising on the impact of proposed or adopted changes in state or federal statutes, rules, or regulations that impact client operations.
• Experience representing clients with a public safety mission.
• Ability to produce legal advice products that are understandable to a non-legal audience.
• Ability to produce written products that are thorough, understandable, and professional.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Public procurement, grant agreements, and contract law;
• Drafting, reviewing, and advising clients on interagency agreements;
• Rulemaking under the Administrative Procedures Act and other administrative processes;
• Experience interpreting and advising on state and federal regulatory issues.

Physical Requirements

May require occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools such as laptop computers. May need to maintain stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

• Criminal history
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting check (EDL)
• Education Verification

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 the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 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.