Attorney, Principal – Criminal Appeals

Hennepin County•Downtown Minneapolis, MN

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office (CAO) is seeking to fill a Principal Attorney position in Criminal Appeals. This position will oversee and provide leadership to the Criminal Appeals staff who represent the State in all forms of criminal appellate work in Minnesota’s state appellate courts, while advancing department-based strategies that support the CAO mission, vision, values, and strategic goals. The Hennepin County Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor of all adult felony and juvenile crimes in Hennepin County. The County Attorney is also responsible for providing legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners and all county departments, as well as representing the county government in civil lawsuits, child support matters, and child protection actions. 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.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
Seven years or more of experience as an attorney.

Nice To Haves

Supervising and/or managing staff, including a team of attorneys.
Handling complex criminal appellate litigation, including brief writing and oral argument before state appellate courts.
Conducting legal research and preparing appellate briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda in criminal matters.
Working in a Public Law Office.
Knowledge of: Criminal law, criminal procedure, and appellate practice in Minnesota state and federal courts.
Local laws and ordinances, established precedents, and legal reference sources.
Principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
Pleading and practicing effective presentation of cases in court.
Supervisory principles, including performance management, employee development, and disciplinary processes.
Legal research methods, brief writing standards, and oral argument strategy in appellate litigation.
Exercise sound judgment under pressure, especially when advising on sensitive or high-risk legal issues.
Interpret and apply statutes, case law, court rules, and legal precedents to diverse and complex appellate matters.
Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of a professional legal staff.
Establish effective working relationships with all levels of staff and collaborate with other county departments.
Develop policies, procedures, and strategic approaches aligned with organizational goals.
Communicate effectively, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and deliver persuasive oral arguments.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and evaluate the performance of assigned professional legal staff.
Participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of professional, investigative, and support staff; recommend and participate in merit and disciplinary decisions.
Consult and advise with the County Attorney and Chief Deputy on administrative and legal matters relating to the policies and practices of the office.
Provide guidance and assistance to subordinates on administrative and legal problems.
Allocate resources and establish policies, procedures, and priorities within the work unit consistent with office and divisional objectives.
Maintain liaison with the courts and other public agencies as it relates to their assigned work unit.
Prepare administrative reports, budgets, and communication as requested by leadership.