BCA Staff Attorney
This position provides legal research, analysis, counsel, and assistance to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension leadership and staff. This position will provide support to the Predatory Offender Registration Unit, which oversees the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry. In conjunction with the unit supervisor, the incumbent will advise unit staff on applicable laws, make legal decisions on registration requirements, and develop policies and procedures. The incumbent acts as a liaison to DPS General Counsel and counterparts within the Office of Minnesota Attorney General, as well as legal counterparts from other entities. This position will join a team of attorneys responsible for creating the vision for the legal direction at the BCA and will be part of important work impacting people’s lives and public safety.
As needed and assigned, the incumbent’s focus may be directed to other divisions within the BCA, providing targeted counsel and assistance to meet with those divisions’ needs. In addition, rendering advisory legal analysis and opinions to agency staff, the incumbent's duties may also include:
- Review, drafting, and other assistance with BCA contracts; agreements; and policies and procedures
- Assistance with legislative affairs
- Litigation management
- Legal analysis and assistance with requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
- Creation and delivery of training to BCA staff and external stakeholder entities
- Other duties as assigned
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school
2. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and current with continuing legal education requirements
3. Three (3) years of legal experience as a practicing attorney which must include conducting legal research, writing, and analysis of complex issues
4. One (1) year of experience providing legal advice to senior management or executives
5. Knowledge and understanding of Minnesota criminal justice system
6. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities
Preferred Qualifications
1. Knowledge of Minnesota's predatory offender laws and registration requirements.
2. Experience determining and advising on the impact of proposed or adopted changes in state or federal statutes, rules or regulations that impact the agency
3. Experience working with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and/or State government agencies
4. Ability to produce legal advice products that are understandable to a non-legal audience
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others, and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:
Criminal history
Reference check
SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)
Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
Drug screen
Education verification
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us
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 Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us.
About Public Safety Dept
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at marna.johnson@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1875.