Working Title: Unemployment Law Judge
Job Class: Compensation Attorney
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 94005
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework up to fifty (50) percent upon completion of approximately six (6) months of in-person training.
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/06/2026
Closing Date : 05/19/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
Division/Unit : Unemployment Insurance Legal Affairs
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
End Date : Up to three (3) years
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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.
The Unemployment Law Judge will preside over and conduct de novo multi- and single- party unemployment insurance administrative evidentiary hearings, under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 268.
Substantive issues in hearings include eligibility for unemployment benefits under state and federal programs, the effect of benefits paid on employer taxes and reimbursing accounts, determination of the proper employer tax rate, eligibility for federal and state extensions and other programs, the effect of receipt of severance pay, workers' compensation benefits, retirement benefits, and other payments, and various other issues.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Writing and issuing findings of fact, reasons for decision, and conclusions of law and other orders or subpoenas as appropriate
Issuing decisions on requests for reconsideration that are the department's final decision and are directly appealable to the Minnesota Court of Appeals
Assisting with other duties as assigned
This position requires making decisions quickly and writing clear and well-reasoned decisions supported by the law within five (5) days of holding the hearing. The current caseload is approximately twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) hearings per week.
Upon completion of the in-person training period (approximately six (6) months), this position will be telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible and will occasionally be required to be on-site at the office in St. Paul. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
This is a temporary unclassified appointment position anticipated to last up to three (3) years.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Minimum Qualifications
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates 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.
Graduate of an accredited law school and have a current active law license in good standing in the State of Minnesota.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience that demonstrates the skill set necessary to issue legal decisions that include the legal issues to be decided, the findings of fact, reasons for decision, and legal conclusion, within five (5) calendar days of holding the hearing.
Ability to receive supervisory feedback and proactively incorporate into hearings and decisions.
Ability to navigate the computer application system and draft own decisions.
Ability to maintain an impartial judicial demeanor in all work settings.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in labor or employment law.
Experience clerking for a state or federal judge.
Experience representing clients in, or presiding over unemployment benefit hearings.
Courtroom/trial experience including voir dire or direct or cross-examination of witnesses, deposition or arbitration experience, and experience as a mediator.
Fluency in another language, especially Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Khmer, Russian, Lao, Vietnamese, or Karen.
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
Criminal Background Check
Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Driver's License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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.
