Assistant Attorney, Civil Division, Attorney’s Office

Stearns County•Saint Cloud, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Stearns County is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to provide effective legal services by representing the State of Minnesota and Stearns County in civil cases. This role involves providing legal services to the county board and county departments, representing Stearns County in various civil litigation matters, drafting and reviewing policies and contracts, and advising the county board and departments on legal compliance issues. The position operates under the general supervision of the Chief of the Civil Division.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree
Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota by the date of hire
Experience using Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
Ability to comply with Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's criminal history related security requirements
All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

Nice To Haves

Five years of full-time experience as a licensed attorney with civil trial practice within the state of Minnesota
Experience providing governance advice to public entities, including ordinance enactment, recording public documents, open meeting law compliance, and MGDPA matters
Experience handling public‑sector contracts and projects, including construction contracts, bid specification preparation and review, and purchase and lease agreements
Experience litigating on behalf of public entities in state and federal court, including defense of lawsuits, property tax appeals before the Minnesota Tax Court, zoning and land‑use enforcement, animal‑control matters, and election‑law disputes
Experience in public land acquisition and use, including environmental law, eminent domain, land acquisition processes, zoning and land‑use enforcement, and real‑property matters
Knowledge of State and federal constitutional law, statutes, to effectively and efficiently represent Stearns County with minimal guidance and supervision.
Knowledge of Minnesota court rules including rules of evidence and Rules of Professional Responsibility.
Skilled with computers, business software applications and internet resources to perform essential job duties.
Ability to analyze facts considering applicable law and evidentiary rules.
Ability to plan, organize and present a case.
Ability to perform work effectively, independently and in a timely manner.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
Ability to be available by telephone 24 hours per day.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Initiates and conducts civil legal actions and enforcement proceedings by researching legal issues, advising County officials and staff, and issuing formal legal opinions to support fair, consistent, and lawful resolutions.
Reviews and evaluates reports, operational documents, litigation materials, contractual records, and other information relevant to County functions to determine appropriate legal action, guidance, or response.
Drafts and prepares legal documents including real estate instruments, contracts, complaints, petitions, motions, memoranda, stipulations, findings, orders, policies, and other materials covering routine to highly complex civil matters in support of County interests.
Prepares for and appears at hearings and trials before judges, juries, magistrates, referees, and administrative law judges by interviewing witnesses, organizing evidence, and conducting opening statements, examinations, and closing arguments.
Represents Stearns County in civil litigation across all court and administrative proceedings, and in assigned meetings, committees, task forces, and other groups to advance and protect County interests and goals.
Provides civil legal advice and training to County staff, officials, and the board of commissioners, to explain applicable laws, regulations, court rules, procedures, evidentiary standards, and case outcomes.
Trains and mentors attorneys and paraprofessional staff within the County Attorney’s Office regarding legal requirements, developments in case law, effective practices, and fulfillment of statutory obligations.
Participates in required staff meetings and attends continuing legal education courses annually to maintain professional licensure and stay current on legal developments.
Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.