Description:
Job Summary:On July 13, 2023, the Hennepin County District Court entered a court enforceable agreement between the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), the City of Minneapolis (the City), and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after an investigation by MDHR revealed a pattern or practice of race discrimination. The Court enforceable agreement requires the City and MPD to implement transformational changes to address race-based policing practices.
MDHR is responsible for enforcing the terms of the court enforceable agreement including the development and implementation of clear policies, trainings, and accountability systems. The court enforceable agreement requires an independent monitoring team to assess the City's and MPD's progress with implementing the terms of the agreement, and as the civil rights enforcement agency, MDHR assesses whether it agrees with the monitoring team's assessments.
The Associate Legal Counsel will apply their legal expertise by:
- Conducting legal research and providing guidance to support strategic compliance.
- Representing MDHR with key stakeholders involved in the enforcement process.
- Negotiating resolutions to legal disputes involving MDHR, the City, MPD, and the monitoring team.
- Reviewing and analyzing policy and training documents.
- Serving as a legal resource on race-based policing, anti-discrimination law, and other complex legal issues relevant to the Consent Decree.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans as a Staff Attorney of the Department of Human Rights.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and a current license to practice law in good standing in the State of Minnesota, plus four (4) years of experience in Minnesota civil rights or anti-discrimination law, including drafting legal memoranda and negotiating settlement agreements.
Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following:
- Experience drafting, analyzing, and reviewing policies and procedures for legal sufficiency and operational feasibility.
- Ability to analyze complex issues and apply judgement to address multifaceted issues and determine best outcomes.
- Alignment with the Department's vision, mission, and values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
- Experience with complex litigation, including enforcement of court ordered settlement agreements.
- Experience conducting all phases of state and/or federal court litigation.
- Demonstrated understanding of policing best practices.
- Experience drafting, analyzing, and reviewing policies and procedures for legal sufficiency and operational feasibility.
- Experience designing and reviewing training for non legal audiences, including curriculum development, evaluation, and program effectiveness measurement.
- Strong organizational, time management, relationship building, and consensus building skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments using emotional intelligence.
Additional Requirements:
Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process.
Application Details
How to Apply:
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact:
If you have questions about this position, contact Janel Lane at janel.j.lane@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Janel Lane at janel.j.lane@state.mn.us.
About Human Rights Dept
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit www.mn.gov/mdhr.
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