What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant County Attorney - Civil / Juvenile / Human Services position at Blue Earth County, MN?
Salary : $97,760.00 - $155,355.20 Annually
Location : Mankato, MN
Job Type : Full Time
Job Number : 2025-00018
Department : Attorney's Office
Division : Juvenile
Opening Date : 02 / 07 / 2025
DESCRIPTION
SALARY RANGE
Assistant County Attorney I $47.00 - $65.85 Hourly
Assistant County Attorney II $53.31 - $74.69 Hourly
Placement on salary schedule dependent upon qualifications.
DESCRIPTION :
This position supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Attorney's Office in the promotion of justice and public safety through fair, effective, and efficient prosecuting of crime; to protect the children, families, and vulnerable in need; and to provide quality legal representation for Blue Earth County. Serving at the pleasure of and under the general supervision of the County Attorney, this position will assist in providing legal services and representing the County in a wide variety of civil, juvenile, and human services matters. Minnesota law specifies that an assistant county attorney has the same duties as the county attorney. This position may entail any and / or all of the statutory duties of the County Attorney's Office as assigned. The secondary area of practice will concentrate on criminal prosecution.
DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
- Performs County Attorney duties. Pursuant to M.S.388.10, each Assistant County Attorney shall have the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities as the County Attorney.
- Practices law and performs statutory duties and tasks as assigned by the County Attorney in a professional manner in keeping with the high expectations bestowed upon them with a public office.
- Drafts basic and moderately complex contracts, memoranda, ordinances, conveyances, agreements, resolutions, legislation, and other documents which establish legal rights of Blue Earth County.
- Confers with and, under supervision, advises County and other officers, departments, employees and representatives on litigation and legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, liabilities, and obligations.
- Advises County Departments and law enforcement. Reviews requests for advice from county departments, or law enforcement agencies. Researches statutes, administrative rules, and court cases to determine appropriate response. Consults with supervisors regarding appropriate advice or alternatives. Prepares memorandums with supporting documentation to advise agency or respond orally, documenting response. Participates in meetings with Human Service staff. Provides training to county regarding law and procedures.
- Prepares cases for court. Researches relevant legal issues. Reviews reports, exhibits and other evidence. Meets with witnesses to review testimony. Prepares legal memoranda and exhibits. Prepares oral arguments. Outlines and organizes the order of witnesses and evidence to be presented. Determines relevance of evidence or testimony. Evaluates strengths or weaknesses of witnesses' presentation.
- Appears in court. Transports, organizes, and sets up files, exhibits, etc. Meets with counsel and presiding officer to discuss unresolved issues and court procedures. Appears for pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate court proceedings. Conducts jury selection, delivers opening statements, conducts direct and cross-examination of witnesses and presents closing arguments. Offers exhibits, documents, real evidence, etc. into evidence. Makes appropriate and timely objections.
- Reviews police and social worker reports. Reviews delinquency, paternity, commitment, guardianship, and conservatorship referrals. Determines appropriate legal action. Drafts petitions, complaints, and other appropriate pleadings, including Children in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS) petitions, paternities and non-support petitions, commitment petitions, welfare fraud complaints, and juvenile petitions. Reviews and approves juvenile citations, child support pleadings for expedited child support process. Determines if jurisdiction and probable cause exists for requested action. Determines level, type of charges appropriate, essential witnesses, physical evidence and refers to other agencies as needed. Drafts appellate documents.
- Administers all day care and welfare appeals. Reviews referrals of administrative appeals; conducts legal research and prepares appropriate documentation, letter briefs, and formal briefs. Prepares for and attends all related proceedings.
- Decides issues to address, performs legal research and determines relevant case law and statutory construction. Drafts briefs, memoranda, etc., and presents appropriate argument orally. Responds orally to any concerns or questions of the judge.
- Communicates with victims and advocates. Listens to concerns and questions of victim. Decides role of victim regarding the legal situation. Consider victim input regarding the case. Prepares the victim for possible testimony and what to expect. Negotiates settlements as appropriate. Seeks victim input in determining an outcome of cases short of trial. Evaluates strengths and weaknesses of cases in light of evidence. Makes judgments regarding plea options consistent with the interests of justice. Discusses issues with defense attorney and probation agents. Presents and justifies a negotiated plea to the Judge in open court.
- Responds to public inquiry / public education. Determines what information may be released under the Data Practices Act. Determines if said action is within the duties of the County Attorney. Determines if referral to another group is required.
- Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
- Engages positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
- Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
- Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS :
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Minnesota, or admitted within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Minnesota, or admitted within six (6) months from the date of appointment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :
HOURS OF WORK
This position may be hybrid and be performed both on-site at the Blue Earth County Justice Center and remote as job duties permit. Work hours are generally from 8 : 00 a.m. to 4 : 30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may require additional, evening and weekend hours. The position is eligible for a flexible summer work schedule.
Benefits Overview
AFSCME, No. 65 - Assistant County Attorney's
The County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package. The County's benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings. Benefits begin upon date of hire.
The following outlines County offered total compensation benefits. This document provides an overview and does not offer all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents and / or collective bargaining agreements, the plan documents will prevail.
Regular, Full-Time Employee
Wage / Salary Scale
Blue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.
Vacation Leave
Vacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and / or the employee handbook.
Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate
0 - 5 years - 3.85 hours
6 - 9 years - 4.77 hours
10 - 13 years - 5.69 hours
14 - 18 years - 6.62 hours
19 - 24 years - 7.54 hours
25 years - 8.46 hours
Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of eight (8) hours for each full month of service.
Paid Holidays
Blue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays.
Health Insurance
Employees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) - Effective : July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Plan 1 : CMM $0 Deductible
Employee : Single - $128.21 / Family - $1,130.37
Employer : Single - $1,153.90 / Family - $2,637.53
Total Cost : Single - $1,282.11 / Family - $3,767.90
Plan 2 : CMM $300 Deductible
Employee : Single - $0.96 / Family - $756.33
Employer : Single - $1,153.90 / Family - $2,637.63
Total Cost : Single - $1,154.86 / Family - $3,393.96
Plan 3 : HDHP with HSA
Employee : Single - $0.00 / Family - $439.14
Employer : Single - $901.87 / Family - $2,211.29
Total Cost : Single - $901.87 / Family - $2,650.43
Blue Earth County contributes to a health savings account (HSA) when the employee elects the HDHP. Single coverage HSA contributions equal $1,600, and family coverage HSA contributions equal $3,200.
Life Insurance
Employees are provided with Term-Life Insurance at no cost to them :
Retirement
The County and the employee contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) based on a percentage of the employee wage :
General / Coordinated Plan
Employee : 6.5%
Employer : 7.5%
Voluntary Benefits Available
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
Are you a graduate of an accredited law school?
Are you currently licensed to practice law in Minnesota, or will you be license eligible within six (6) months of employment?
Which of the following best describes your years of experience practicing in civil law, human services, and / or juvenile delinquency?
Select the areas below in which you have experience. Please select all that apply.
Why do you want this position with Blue Earth County?
Please describe how your background and experience align with the duties and responsibilities of this position.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS : Describe any other special training you've completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT : If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to : verification of employment and education records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?
Required Question
Salary : $97,760 - $155,355
