Working Title: Staff Attorney, Dispute Resolution - Staff Attorney 2
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
Agency: Education Department
Job ID : 91811
Location : Minneapolis
Telework Eligible : Yes - Up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 01/30/2026
Closing Date : 02/06/2026
Bid Open : 01/30/2026
Bid Close : 02/06/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / Due Process
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $38.55 - $57.35 / hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 / 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
CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above AND you must email the recruiter indicating your interest bid.
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.
As a Staff Attorney on the Dispute Resolution team with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will provide legal assistance and expertise to the staff at MDE, school districts and charter schools, and the general public regarding the application of federal and state laws and rules under MDE's jurisdiction. Duties will include:
Conduct State Special Education complaint investigations and make legally binding determinations of school district and charter school compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, case law, and other guidance related to students with disabilities.
Provide privileged legal technical assistance, legal analysis, legal advice, and practical assistance to internal customers with respect to the application of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and processes, to fact situations, hypothetical questions, and anticipatory litigation concerns.
Promote early resolution of disputes by encouraging communication between internal customers and external customers and providing information about laws, procedures, and dispute resolution options.
Minimum Qualifications
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school
Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire
At least three (3) years experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related this this position
Experience must include the following demonstrated skill, abilities and knowledge bases:
Critical thinking and problem solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex legal issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternatives, make sound decisions and provide legal advice to executives and management on these issues;
Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct;
Ability to think creatively and approach projects and tasks from a continuous improvement perspective;
Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated legal interest in issues relating to special education law, disability-related law, school law, nondiscrimination laws, and/or public interest law
Excellent communication skills and written work product to provide legal advice and varied legal issues
Professional level experience interpreting, analyzing, researching and advising all levels of management on complex legal and policy requirements
Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws; strong knowledge of Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and proved protection of non-public data
Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
Demonstrated ability to assist parties in generating solutions and resolving adversarial situations and persistent conflicts at the lowest level of controversy
Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, apply knowledge of various and often conflicting laws, to arrive at logical and legally sound conclusions
Additional Requirements
Writing Sample: Individuals who are selected for an interview will be requested to submit a writing sample.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Driver's License Check
Criminal Background Check
The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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.
