Closing Date: 7th May, 2024
Description:
Job Summary:The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who choose public service as a calling, and we are actively and intentionally committed to supporting an internal culture that affirms that calling. The Office is one of Minnesota's largest public law offices and as of 2023, has been recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota for three years in a row and Top Workplace USA for three years in a row.
The Office is currently seeking three attorneys who will work in the in the of the Office.
in the . The ENR Division represents state agencies, the Office, and the people of Minnesota in matters impacting the environment and the responsible uses of the State's natural resources. The primary tasks of the appointed attorneys will be to represent State agencies in enforcement matters and their permitting and regulatory decisions.
The third position is for a Special Assistant Attorney General to serve as a fellow sponsored by the New York University School of Law State Energy & Environmental Impact Center (State Impact Center). The Special Assistant Attorney will focus on litigation and regulatory matters designed to combat climate change and foster and improve clean energy initiatives. The position is guaranteed for one year and has the opportunity to continue after that year if funding remains available. Under the structure of this fellowship, the appointed attorney will work solely under the direction of the Office but would be an employee of NYU. The non-partisan State Impact Center supports state attorneys general in defending and promoting clean energy, climate, and environmental laws and policies. More information about the State Impact Center can be found at https://www.law.nyu.edu/centers/state-impact.
Prior experience in environmental litigation is not a requirement for the positions. The ENR Division has a very diverse practice, with no close analog in private practice. The division seeks attorneys who can excel at practicing in new areas.
The attorneys we seek for these positions will handle all aspects of a set of assigned cases – including dispositive motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal. Since some cases can be venued anywhere in the state, periodic travel throughout Minnesota may be required.
These positions are eligible for hybrid work environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA
- Actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota
- An interest in environmental law and protecting the State's environment and natural resources
- Desire and interest in litigating autonomously and making strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
- Experience using electronic files and case management tools
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills (a cover letter with a writing sample of up to five pages is required with application)
- Ability to
- travel to counties throughout the state
- multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
- contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
- Proven ability to work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
Important! All applicants must prepare two documents to upload and submit with their application: 1) Resume; and 2) A cover letter with a writing sample (of up to five pages) in one document.
To be considered at the level, candidates must have years of related experience. To be considered at the level, candidates must have years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
A background in environmental litigation or advocacy
