Assistant Attorney General

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified applicants

Date Posted: 7/22/2025

Closing Date: 8/4/2025

Staff Attorney 1 Salary Range: $36.40 - $57.47 / hourly; $76,003 - $119,997 / annually

Staff Attorney 2 Salary Range: $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually

Staff Attorney 3 Salary Range: $54.12 - $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 - $174,494 / annually

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 Minnesotas largest public law offices and as of 2025, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota for five years in a row and Top Workplace USA for four years in a row.

The Office is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals division of the Office. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified professional to join a highly committed team that handles important public safety and legal matters for the State of Minnesota.

Duties of the position will primarily include representing the prosecution in appeals. The position also includes training law enforcement officers and attorneys and serving as a resource for other divisions of the office and prosecutors throughout Minnesota.

A successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the mission of the office by:

• Writing briefs representing the State in criminal appeals at the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court
• Representing the State in oral arguments before both courts

This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment (combination of in-office work and telework).

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and actively licensed in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota
• 5 or more years of experience practicing in the area of criminal law appeals
• Outstanding writing, research, and oral communication/advocacy skills (writing sample is required with application submission)
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools
• 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
  • Exercise excellent judgement, character, and work ethic
• 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 S2 level, candidates must have at least 6 years of directly related experience. To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have at least 12 years of directly related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one argument on a criminal appeal before the Minnesota Supreme Court in the last three years

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply online through the State of Minnesota Careers website, which is the States official application and hiring site. The deadline for applications is Monday, August 4, 2025.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 87687

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 Theresa Pinger at theresa.pinger@ag.state.mn.us or 651-300-7162.

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

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 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.

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.

recblid qxepl7aaj68cyuzhv7rsyf0t0d2afr