Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants
Date Posted: 2/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/10/2025
S2 Salary Range: $50.53 – $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 – $163,490 / annually; median salary is $119,998 annually
S3 Salary Range: $54.12 – $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 – $174,494 / annually; median salary is $143,258 annually
Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid work environment
Job Summary
The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who choose public service as a calling, and we are actively and intentionally committed to supporting an internal culture that affirms that calling. The Office is one of Minnesota’s largest public law offices and as of 2024, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota for four years in a row and Top Workplace USA for three years in a row.
The Office is currently seeking to hire a Special Assistant Attorney General working in the Office’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division. The selected candidate will work through a fellowship sponsored by the New York University School of Law State Energy & Environmental Impact Center (State Impact Center). This is a one-year position that has the opportunity to continue after that year if funding remains available. Under the structure of the fellowship, the appointed attorney will work solely under the direction of the Office but would be an employee of NYU. The non-partisan State Impact Center supports state attorneys general in defending and promoting clean energy, climate, and environmental laws and policies. More information about the State Impact Center can be found at https://stateimpactcenter.org/.
The Special Assistant Attorney will represent the State and its executive branch agencies, with a focus on multi-state litigation that supports and strengthens the rule of law and Minnesota’s strong protection of natural resources. Candidates with experience litigating federal administrative procedure act challenges are preferred. Prior experience in environmental litigation is desirable, but not a requirement for the position. The ENR Division has a very diverse practice, with no close analog in private practice. The Division seeks attorneys who excel at practicing in new areas.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA
- Six years of experience in a litigation-focused setting
- Actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota (or current licensure within another state with ability to transfer licensure immediately upon hire)
- An interest in environmental law and protecting the State’s environment and natural resources
- Desire and interest in litigating autonomously and making strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
- Experience using electronic files and case management tools
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills (a writing sample is required with application submission)
- Ability to:
- multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
- contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
- Proven ability to work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
IMPORTANT! All applicants must prepare two documents to upload and submit with their application: 1) Resume; and 2) A cover letter with a writing sample (of up to five pages) in one document.
To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have at least 12 years of directly related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- A background in federal administrative law challenges
- A background in multi-state litigation
- A background in environmental litigation or advocacy
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online through the State of Minnesota Careers website, which is the State’s official application and hiring site. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 10, 2025
- Go to mn.gov/careers;
- Apply for posting number 84319
Or Direct Link
Do not forget to upload: 1) Resume; and 2) A cover letter with a writing sample (of up to five pages).
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Brooke Seekins at brooke.seekins@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 300-7025.
Why Work For Us
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
The Special Assistant Attorney General will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave through NYU. The candidate is also eligible to participate in a retirement plan through NYU.
For information regarding benefits for this fellowship, please visit NYU’s website at: https://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/professional-research-staff.html.
For more information regarding the fellowship program, please visit NYU’s website at: https://stateimpactcenter.org/about/fellows-program/.
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify; for more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at 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.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
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.
