Associate Legal Counsel - Staff Attorney 2

Job summary

Conduct legal research and provide guidance on compliance with the Minneapolis police consent decree, while representing the Department of Human Rights with stakeholders and negotiating legal resolutions. Review policies and training materials, and advise on race-based policing, anti-discrimination law, and other complex legal issues.

Job details

Working Title: Associate Legal Counsel Job Class: Staff Attorney 2 Agency: Human Rights Dept Job ID: 97356 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 10/01/2026 Closing Date: 10/14/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-MAPE Division/Unit: Deputy General Counsel Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $39.22 - $58.35 / hourly; $81,891 - $121,834 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. On July 13, 2023, the Hennepin County District Court entered a court enforceable agreement between the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), the City of Minneapolis (the City), and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after an investigation by MDHR revealed a pattern or practice of race discrimination. The Court enforceable agreement requires the City and MPD to implement transformational changes to address race-based policing practices. MDHR is responsible for enforcing the terms of the court enforceable agreement including the development and implementation of clear policies, trainings, and accountability systems. The court enforceable agreement requires an independent monitoring team to assess the City’s and MPD’s progress with implementing the terms of the agreement, and as the civil rights enforcement agency, MDHR assesses whether it agrees with the monitoring team’s assessments. The Associate Legal Counsel will apply their legal expertise by: Conducting legal research and providing guidance to support strategic compliance. Representing MDHR with key stakeholders involved in the enforcement process. Negotiating resolutions to legal disputes involving MDHR, the City, MPD, and the monitoring team. Reviewing and analyzing policy and training documents. Serving as a legal resource on race-based policing, anti-discrimination law, and other complex legal issues relevant to the Consent Decree. Hybrid Work Environment: This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework agreement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details. Minimum Qualifications To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans as a Staff Attorney of the Department of Human Rights. Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and a current license to practice law in good standing in the State of Minnesota, plus four (4) years of experience in Minnesota civil rights or anti-discrimination law, including drafting legal memoranda and negotiating settlement agreements. Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following: Experience drafting, analyzing, and reviewing policies and procedures for legal sufficiency and operational feasibility. Ability to analyze complex issues and apply judgement to address multifaceted issues and determine best outcomes. Alignment with the Department’s vision, mission, and values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Preferred Qualifications Advanced knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Experience with complex litigation, including enforcement of court ordered settlement agreements. Experience conducting all phases of state and/or federal court litigation. Demonstrated understanding of policing best practices. Experience drafting, analyzing, and reviewing policies and procedures for legal sufficiency and operational feasibility. Experience designing and reviewing training for non legal audiences, including curriculum development, evaluation, and program effectiveness measurement. Strong organizational, time management, relationship building, and consensus building skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments using emotional intelligence. Additional Requirements Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process. How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Janel Lane at janel.j.lane@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Janel Lane at janel.j.lane@state.mn.us. About Human Rights Dept The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit www.mn.gov/mdhr. 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 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. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

What you’ll do

Conduct legal research and provide guidance on compliance with the Minneapolis police consent decree, while representing the Department of Human Rights with stakeholders and negotiating legal resolutions. Review policies and training materials, and advise on race-based policing, anti-discrimination law, and other complex legal issues.

Requirements

Requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, an active Minnesota law license in good standing, and four years of experience in Minnesota civil rights or anti-discrimination law, including drafting legal memoranda and negotiating settlements. Applicants must also demonstrate policy review and analysis skills, sound judgment on complex issues, and alignment with the department’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Fertility Care
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tax-Free Expense Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training and Professional Development
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Listed skills

• Relationship Building · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Legal Research
• Civil Rights Law
• Anti-Discrimination Law
• Legal Memoranda Drafting
• Settlement Negotiation
• Policy Analysis
• Legal Sufficiency Review
• Complex Issue Analysis
• Litigation
• Court-Ordered Settlement Enforcement
• Training Design
• Consensus Building
• Relationship Building
• Organizational Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Minnesota Government Data Practices Act

Job areas

• Legal
• Government & Public Sector

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