Attorney

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is seeking to fill experienced Attorney positions in the Civil Division and create a list for future vacancies for both civil and criminal prosecution divisions. The Hennepin County Attorney serves as the civil counsel for all Hennepin County departments, programs and as the chief prosecutor of all adult felony and juvenile crimes in Hennepin County. Current needs in the civil division include civil litigation, transactional, transportation law and property tax. Current needs in the prosecution divisions are for experienced criminal trial attorneys. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is committed to creating a safe and equitable community in Hennepin County. 

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the employee referral program. 

Attorney - Civil    

• Represent Hennepin County, departments, officials, and related entities (including Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc.) on civil claims and in civil litigation, in state court, federal court, or other forums. This may include investigating facts, responding to complaints, preparing petitions related to civil commitment, reviewing petitions related to child protection, preparing and arguing motions, conducting discovery and depositions, attending meetings at which you would represent the office and/or the client agency, and handling hearings, trials and any appeals, including any necessary legal research. 
• Provide legal opinions and advice to Hennepin County, its departments, officials, and related entities (including Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc.), including any necessary legal research.
• Draft and advise on all manner of contracts, including real estate transactions, services agreements, joint powers agreements, and more.

Attorney - Prosecution

• Prepare cases for prosecution of criminal statutes and/or fraud cases for prosecutions.
• Try criminal cases and prosecute appeals.
• Interview prospective complainants and police officers relative to the violation of statutes and filing of complaints.
• Prepare briefs, opinions, pleadings, and other legal papers; confer with attorneys, other county employees and other interested parties regarding criminal prosecutions.

• Conduct necessary legal research; keep case records and make reports; perform necessary research, work investigations, and preparation of briefs for the trial of cases involving criminal prosecution

• Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota and two or more years of experience as a practicing attorney. One year of this experience may be required in a defined specialty area.

• Experience working in a public law office.
• Civil and major litigation and civil counsel experience (advisory or transactional).
• Criminal legal experience (prosecution or defense).

• Knowledge of:
  • Applicable court rules of procedures and the rules of evidence.
  • Applicable areas of law, including public contracting and procurement, labor and employment, real estate, data practices, civil litigation, or other specialty areas of practice.
  • The pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.
  • Local laws and ordinances, established precedents, and legal reference sources.
  • The principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
  • Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.

• Ability to:
  • Provide excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and persuasive public speaking skills.
  • Charge criminal cases (Adult, youth and community prosecution).
  • Independently try cases.
  • Effectively build relationships and collaborate with other Hennepin County departments.
  • Analyze and apply legal principles to specific situations.