Attorney - Civil

The Hennepin County Attorneys Office seeks talented civil litigators and legal advisors to join our civil divisions. These divisions perform a wide range of legal services, including child protection matters, civil commitment proceedings, and providing in-house legal services to the County (advisory, transactional, and civil litigation). The Hennepin County Attorneys Office is the largest public law office in the state. Qualified candidates from all diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours:
These positions are hybrid and will be performed both on-site at Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487 and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, with typical hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While these positions are designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota and Wisconsin.

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment.

About these positions:
These are full-time, benefit-earning positions.
These positions are internally classified as an Attorney.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

Criminal background checks: Applicants with convictions are not automatically disqualified. Each case is considered on its individual circumstances and the type of work.

In these positions, depending on assignment, you will:

• Represent Hennepin County, its departments, officials, and related entities (including Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc.) on civil claims and in civil litigation, in state court, federal court, or other forums. This may include investigating facts, responding to complaints, preparing petitions related to civil commitment, reviewing petitions related to child protection, preparing and arguing motions, conducting discovery and depositions, attending meetings at which you would represent the office and/or the client agency, and handling hearings, trials and any appeals, including any necessary legal research.
• Provide legal opinions and advice to Hennepin County, its departments, officials, and related entities (including Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc.), including any necessary legal research.
• Draft and advise on all manner of contracts, including real estate transactions, services agreements, joint powers agreements, and more.

Need to have:

• Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota and two years or more of experience as a practicing attorney. One year of this experience may be required in a defined specialty area.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Working in a public law office.
  • With litigation.
  • With civil counsel (advisory or transactional).
• Knowledge of:
  • Applicable court rules of procedure and the rules of evidence.
  • Applicable areas of law, including public contracting and procurement, labor and employment, real estate, data practices, civil litigation, or other specialty areas of practice.
  • The pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.
• Abilities:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Persuasive public speaking skills.
  • Effective working relationships and collaboration with other county departments.
  • Analyze and apply legal principles to specific situations and issues.

About the department:
The Hennepin County Attorneys Office is a fierce advocate for justice and equity, pursuing holistic community safety and providing quality legal services through evidence-informed practices and collaborative problem solving.

We prosecute crimes with fairness and integrity. We advocate for victims of crime by seeking meaningful accountability and supporting healing. We use preventive and restorative approaches to address the complex root causes of crime and violence. We engage with partners to pursue system accountability. And we provide proactive and innovative legal services in the areas of mental health, child support, child protection, and civil legal representation for Hennepin County to advance the Countys efforts to reduce disparities and enhance the quality of life of our community.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals -- that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.

Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at Welcome to the Bridge (hennepin.us) - select Guest option.

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

This position may have access to systems or other documentation that contains HIPAA data.

Note: You must attach a resume and cover letter with your application materials to be considered for this position.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates will be required to complete a background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition Division
Hennepin County Human Resources Department
[email protected]
612-348-7855