Overview
This position is for an Associate General Counsel - Staff Attorney 1 or Staff Attorney 2 within the Department of Human Services, located in St. Paul. The role is full-time, limited duration (expected up to two years), and eligible for telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles of the primary work location, subject to supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position is exempt and unclassified, with union representation under the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE).
The role involves providing legal advice and expertise on data privacy, data security, and related issues as part of the Privacy Office. The attorney will support compliance with applicable state and federal privacy laws, conduct legal and policy research, and advise on complex matters including legislative efforts, contracts, investigations, audits, litigation involvement, trainings, and policy compliance.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal analysis of data privacy and security incidents involving Department data.
- Perform legal and policy research and analysis on complex data privacy and security matters.
- Provide legal advice to General Counsel staff and Department leadership on data privacy and related legal issues.
Minimum Qualifications
Staff Attorney 1:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current license in good standing to practice law in Minnesota.
- At least one year of experience as a practicing attorney in or related to data privacy law.
- Demonstrated skills in legal research, writing, analysis, and providing legal advice.
Staff Attorney 2:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current license in good standing to practice law in Minnesota.
- At least three years of experience as a practicing attorney in or related to data privacy law.
Experience must also demonstrate:
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience providing legal advice on diverse and complex human services and data privacy matters.
- Familiarity with Minnesota state government data practices regulations and administrative law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to identify potential issues in contracts and potential violations of state and federal contracting statutes and regulations.
- Experience conducting complex legal work involving federal and state laws, regulations, agency rules, policies, hearing procedures, rules of evidence, codes, and case law.
- Experience working for a government agency or organization.
- Experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
- Reference and criminal background checks will be conducted prior to appointment.
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment; visa sponsorship is not provided.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Staff Attorney 1: $34.69 - $51.45 per hour; $72,433 - $107,428 annually.
- Staff Attorney 2: $38.55 - $57.35 per hour; $80,492 - $119,746 annually.
Benefits include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- 12 paid holidays annually.
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
- Fertility care including IVF.
- Diabetes care.
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
- Six weeks paid parental leave for newborn or newly adopted children.
- Pension plan providing retirement income after three years of service.
- Employer-paid life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- Tax-free health, dental, and dependent care expense accounts.
- Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
- Training, professional development, and tuition reimbursement.
- Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for some positions.
- Employee Assistance Program offering confidential support for life challenges.
Location
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Telework eligible for residents of Minnesota or bordering states within 50 miles of the work location.
Equal Opportunity
The employer is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly organization committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process.