Working Title: Associate Legal Counsel - Staff Attorney 2
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Human Rights Dept
Job ID : 88057
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 : 08/14/2025
Closing Date : 08/27/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-MAPE
Division/Unit : Consent Decree Enforcement Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.98 - $56.50 / hourly; $79,302 - $117,972 / 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
This posting will be used to fill up to two (2) vacancies.
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 reforms 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.
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
To promote a culture of flexibility, 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details. The Department of Human Rights Office is located in St. Paul, MN.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered applicants must include a cover letter describing their interest in the Associate Legal Counsel position, their interest in enforcing the court enforceable agreement, and their background in policing and/or civil rights.
Education and Licensure Requirements:
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a current license (in good standing) to practice law in the State of Minnesota
Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following:
Three years (3) of experience practicing civil rights, anti-discrimination law, and/or relevant criminal law experience including engaging in negotiation discussions.
Excellent legal research and writing skills sufficient to write and edit clear and concise memos, correspondence, training materials, and presentations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven track record of navigating conflict, building trust, and facilitating respectful dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
Skill in conveying complex legal information in plain language to members of the public and stakeholders.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships in highly sensitive, complex, and contentious environments with competing priorities and points of view.
Alignment with the Department's vision, mission, and values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with complex litigation and/or enforcing court ordered settlement agreements.
Experience with policing best practices.
Experience conducting all phases of state and/or federal court litigation.
Advanced knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills.
Additional Requirements
Applicants selected for an interview will also be asked to complete a written assessment to demonstrate their analytical and written communication skill set.
Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment and be eligible for CJIS certification including a federal background and fingerprint check.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 is needed.
