Senior Assistant County Attorney – Labor and Employment

The current vacancy is in the County Attorney's Office. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

This position is for a Labor and Employment Attorney who will be assigned to the Civil Division of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. The Labor and Employment Attorney for Ramsey County performs professional legal work of a high degree of difficulty and complexity as a confidential, non-represented attorney in support of the County’s Human Resources and Labor Relations activities. This Attorney would meet the statutory definition of a confidential employee under Minnesota’s Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA) 179A.

The Labor and Employment Attorney will represent Ramsey County and advise the County Board, Human Resources Department and Labor Relations Manager, and other County clients, on labor and employment law issues by conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions on issues for pending lawsuits and administrative matters. The Labor and Employment Attorney for Ramsey County will prepare lawsuits for trial and try cases relating to employment, personnel, civil rights, governmental authority, civil rights actions and personnel matters in State and Federal court and before administrative agencies, law judges and arbitrators.

This Attorney will advise and assist in drafting personnel policies and labor agreements, provide legal advice to the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resource Deputies and Labor Relations Manager, as well as other officials of the County. The Labor and Employment Attorney will provide legal consultation on administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreements and when requested, will actively participate in meetings and negotiations with the Labor Relations Manager on behalf of the County. This Attorney will also advise the Human Resources Department on the legal implications of labor relations and human resources management activities, including but not limited to, negotiations, mediation, interest, arbitration, grievance arbitration and personnel policy compliance. The Labor and Employment Attorney will assist in developing labor relations information as defined in Minnesota Statute 13.37 and personnel data as defined in Minnesota Statute 13.43.

Prepare lawsuits for trial and try cases relating to employment, personnel, civil rights, governmental authority, civil rights actions and personnel matters in State and Federal court and before administrative agencies, law judges and arbitrators., including but not limited to, negotiations, mediation, interest arbitration, grievance arbitration and personnel policy compliance. Represent the County in any subsequent administrative or judicial proceedings relating to such human resources or labor relations and employment activities and attend closed sessions before the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, and any other duties as otherwise assigned by the County Attorney, First Assistant County Attorney or Director of the Civil Division.

The basic function, depending on assignment, is to provide legal services to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and other Ramsey County boards, commissions and departments; to prosecute criminal cases and provide legal representation in civil lawsuits; to provide legal services in the area of child support enforcement, paternity proceedings, foster care reimbursement; in all child protection and mental health and chemical dependency commitment matters: and to perform related duties as assigned.

1. Prepare cases for judicial proceedings, including but not limited to jury trials by investigating facts, researching law, drafting pleadings, subpoenaing and interviewing witnesses, analyzing the opposition's case, and writing legal memoranda and briefs.
2. Prosecute assigned criminal or civil cases on behalf of the State of Minnesota to court or jury by presenting facts, analyzing evidence and information as it is conveyed during the proceedings, and adjusting the case as necessary; make recommendations to Supervisoron whether to file appeals.
3. Determine whether to charge, drop charges or negotiate pleas by analyzing facts in relation to established charging or plea negotiation standards, contact crime victims in accordance with the Victim's Rights Act.
4. Advise and assist less experienced Ramsey County Attorney Office (RCAO) attorneys on matters of trial strategy, analysis and presentation of evidence, case negotiation or other matters of law; assign work to and review, revise and discuss the legal opinions, pleadings, strategies and settlements of law clerks; direct the work of clerical staff in the preparation of legal documents.
5. Analyze legislation, case law, legal publications and other relevant literature in order to maintain accurate, current information on legal developments in all areas of law that relates to the SACAs assignment.
6. Prepare legal opinions and plan litigation in order to resolve immediate issues and to establish a basis for resolving future matters of a similar nature.
7. Draft proposed legislation and respond to inquiries in relation to proposed legislation.
8. Provide training and advice to law enforcement officers, attorneys, corrections workers, social workers, and other relevant parties in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment.
9. Prepare appellate briefs by analyzing issues, reviewing transcripts and doing necessary legal research; make oral arguments to appellate courts.
10. Recommends the disposition of cases to judges.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college of law.

Experience: Five years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Certifications/Licensure: Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and completion of 45 credits of continuing legal education every three years.

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for AssistantSenior County Attorney will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an AssistantSenior County Attorney. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Megan.Simmons@ramseycountymn.gov