Staff Attorney, Dispute Resolution

Closing Date: 3rd April, 2026

Description:

The Work You'll Do is More Than Just a Job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary:
As a Staff Attorney on the Dispute Resolution team with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will provide legal assistance and expertise to the staff at MDE, school districts and charter schools, and the general public regarding the application of federal and state laws and rules under MDE's jurisdiction. Duties will include:

• Conduct State Special Education complaint investigations and make legally binding determinations of school district and charter school compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, case law, and other guidance related to students with disabilities.
• Provide privileged legal technical assistance, legal analysis, legal advice, and practical assistance to internal customers with respect to the application of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and processes, to fact situations, hypothetical questions, and anticipatory litigation concerns.
• Promote early resolution of disputes by encouraging communication between internal customers and external customers and providing information about laws, procedures, and dispute resolution options.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire
• At least three (3) years experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related this this position

Experience must include the following demonstrated skill, abilities and knowledge bases:

• Critical thinking and problem solving skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex legal issues, identify areas of research, conduct research and evaluate alternatives, make sound decisions and provide legal advice to executives and management on these issues;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct;
• Ability to think creatively and approach projects and tasks from a continuous improvement perspective;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated legal interest in issues relating to special education law, disability-related law, school law, nondiscrimination laws, and/or public interest law
• Excellent communication skills and written work product to provide legal advice and varied legal issues
• Professional level experience interpreting, analyzing, researching and advising all levels of management on complex legal and policy requirements
• Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws; strong knowledge of Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and proved protection of non-public data
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
• Demonstrated ability to assist parties in generating solutions and resolving adversarial situations and persistent conflicts at the lowest level of controversy
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, apply knowledge of various and often conflicting laws, to arrive at logical and legally sound conclusions

Additional Requirements:
Writing Sample: Individuals who are selected for an interview will be requested to submit a writing sample.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver's License Check
• Criminal Background Check

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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 Katherine Elling at katherine.elling@state.mn.us or 651-582-8558.

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 Katherine Elling at katherine.elling@state.mn.us.

Veterans

• To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to katherine.elling@state.mn.us by the closing date.
• Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
• Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
• See the above links for criteria and eligibility

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits:

• As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
• Your benefits may include:
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

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