Chief Legal Counsel - Staff Attorney 3

Job Details

Working Title: Chief Legal Counsel - Staff Attorney 3

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Education Department

• Job ID: 94845
• Location: Minneapolis
• Telework Eligible: Yes - up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/17/2026
• Closing Date: 06/30/2026
• Bid Open: 06/17/2026
• Bid Close: 06/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Office of Inspector General
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $42.94 - $63.69 / hourly; $89,658 - $132,984 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above AND you must email [email protected] with your intent to bid.### 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.

Job Summary

As the Chief Legal Counsel for the Office of Inspector General with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will support the statutory mandate to investigate fraud, waste or abuse in MDE's public programs and student maltreatment investigations. Duties will include:

• Direct the activities of Investigators, analysts, and other staff on investigations and leads and/or coordinates investigations with internal and external partners;
• Act as the lead attorney for all OIG legal staff;
• Act as the legal expert on fraud, waste and abuse sufficient to conduct independent investigations into Department programs across MDE;
• Act as the legal expert on student maltreatment investigation and litigation activity;
• Support law enforcement and prosecutors in pursuing criminal prosecution;
• Provide legal advice related to recommendations for civil, administrative, or criminal actions to the Inspector General and/or MDE either during or at the conclusion of an investigation and/or prosecution;
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, and training development and implementation services;
• Coordinate and manage the OIG's legal advice;
• Coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and the MDE General Counsel's office regarding litigation;
• Oversee the OIG's disclosure and records management functions;
• Identify and make recommendations for and review legislation and bill analysis, and coordinates implementation of new laws and rules.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away. Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate 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.* Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school; * Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire; * At least four (4) years experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or public sector setting

Experience must include the following demonstrated skills, abilities and knowledge bases:

• Legal analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving — including analyzing complex and often ambiguous legal issues, conducting independent research, identifying multiple options, evaluating risk, and making sound legal recommendations to leadership.
• High-quality written and verbal communication skills — including drafting clear and well-reasoned legal memoranda, advisory opinions, or briefs, and presenting legal analysis to executives, investigators, or other decision-makers.
• Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards, including confidentiality, data privacy requirements, and attorney conduct rules.
• Experience applying rules of evidence and criminal and/or civil procedure during litigation, investigations, or administrative hearings.
• Experience providing legal advice related to civil and/or criminal investigations, including issues such as due process, evidence management, data privacy, search and seizure, or ethics.
• Litigation experience (criminal, civil, or administrative), litigation experience means representing clients in hearings, trials, or other adversarial proceedings were evidence is admitted and arguments before a tribunal occurred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience prosecuting, investigating, or litigating financial crimes, fraud, misuse of public funds, or other complex financial misconduct.
• Experience working in a county or state attorney’s office, including criminal prosecution and/or Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) matters.
• Experience representing state agencies in administrative hearings, appeals, or rulemaking matters.
• Experience advising on or responding to complex data-practices and data-privacy matters under state or federal law.
• Experience coordinating or collaborating with law-enforcement partners, prosecutorial agencies, or oversight entities in connection with investigations or legal proceedings.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing agency-wide legal policies, procedures, or guidance.
• Experience developing or delivering legal training to attorneys, investigators, or agency staff.
• Experience managing or directing the work of attorneys, legal staff, or multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and navigate issues with competing priorities.
• Legislative experience, including reviewing bills, analyzing proposed statutory changes, or participating in agency rulemaking.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver's License Check
• Criminal Background Check

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, please contact us at [email protected] . To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to us at [email protected] . Veterans

To be considered with¿Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to [email protected] by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility

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 the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

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.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.