Associate General Counsel

Overview

The organization is seeking an Associate General Counsel to provide effective legal advice, counsel, and support. This position reports to the Senior Director of Legal Services and supports both the Senior Director and the Chief Legal and Government Relations Officer as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide general counsel legal services related to local government law.
• Negotiate, prepare, review, and interpret contracts, amendments, Requests for Proposals, and other agreements related to organizational programs and relationships.
• Advise on compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Participate in inter-office projects and programs under the oversight of the Senior Director of Legal Services.
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel and resources as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional responsibility rules in legal work.
• Assist in reviewing, drafting, and improving legal department procedures.
• Develop legal responses to inquiries as assigned.
• Collaborate closely with staff to provide legal advice.
• Interpret and advise on compliance with laws, regulations, ordinances, case law, and statutes.
• Bring legal issues to senior leadership and assist in developing responses.
• Review and advise on policies or operations to ensure alignment with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
• Translate legal information into clear advice regarding business transactions, program design, legal risks, rights, and obligations.
• Prepare memoranda and correspondence related to laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules.
• Attend meetings and organizational events as assigned.
• Provide guidance on Minnesota local government laws including open meetings, data practices, records retention, contracting, public expenditures, and governance.
• Maintain legal file management systems.
• Assist in reviewing and drafting Board Policies and resolutions.
• Support professional growth through continuing education and licensure.
• Handle varied and complex work requiring discretion and confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Active license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Demonstrated experience in independent decision making.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues for a lay audience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-house legal experience.
• Public sector experience.
• Experience with state and federal data practices and data privacy laws.
• Military experience.
• Experience in construction law.
• Experience with procurement and cooperative purchasing.

Attorneys with out-of-state licensure who qualify for Admission by Motion pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, rule 10, or who are qualified to sit for the Minnesota bar in July 2026 will be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

• Position is Grade 18, Exempt.
• Annual salary range: $132,320 – $165,400, reflecting minimum to midpoint of the grade.
• Salary may exceed midpoint and will be commensurate with experience.

Location

• This is a remote position subject to the organization's telecommuting policies.
• Occasional travel to Staples, MN (2-3 times per year) for meetings, professional development, or team activities with advance notice.

Employment Details

• Full-time, regular position.
• Scheduled hours: 40 per week.