*This position has a flexible work arrangement that allows for up to 50% telework with a minimum of 50% working in our office.

*This position is used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position works in the Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office and supports the Background Studies Division. As a Background Studies attorney, the incumbent is recognized as a subject matter expert in state and federal laws affecting background studies under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 245C and related compliance laws and policies. 

Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing law enforcement, maltreatment investigation, and court records to determine whether they impact a background study subject’s eligibility, and writing legal memoranda explaining the reasons for the findings 
• Providing legal advice on the administration of state and federal laws and policies governing background studies under Chapter 245C
• Analyzing dispositions and sentences in criminal cases from other state and federal jurisdictions and translating them into comparable Minnesota criminal case information
• Issuing decisions on reconsiderations under delegated authority from the Commissioner of Human Services and testifying on behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS) at administrative appeal hearings
• Analyzing expungement petitions and orders
• Working with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation and appeals related to background studies and expungements
• Acting as liaison between Background Studies and other divisions of DHS, the Attorney General’s Office, counties, and attorneys
• Drafting and editing contracts involving the Background Studies Division
• Managing and responding to data requests made by background study subjects, third parties, the media, and the legislature
• Drafting and advising on proposed legislation affecting the Background Studies Division 

Minimum Qualifications

**To facilitate proper crediting, 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.**

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota; and 
• At least three (3) years’ experience as a practicing attorney in the area of Minnesota criminal law.  

Experience must demonstrate the following: 

• Working on criminal cases in Minnesota District Court;
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
• Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Providing legal advice on complex issues to senior management or executives. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or judicial law clerk
• Successfully managing high volumes of work with competing priorities
• Experience litigating administrative law matters, which may include venues such as the Office of Administrative Hearings or Fair Hearings under Minnesota Statutes section 256.045
• Experience or interest in drafting contracts
• Experience drafting statutes and familiarity with the legislative process
• Knowledge or experience with communication of complex regulatory and statutory matters
• Experience working for a government agency/organization 
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures