Assistant City Attorney - Implementation

Assistant City Attorney - Implementation

This is a unique opportunity for an attorney to make significant contributions to public safety reform efforts in the City of Minneapolis by working on the team implementing the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The attorneys on the implementation team will support increased transparency and public input; improved oversight and accountability systems; and enhanced support for officers through robust employee wellness programs, training, and supervision. This position will collaborate and partner with the Minneapolis Office of Community Safety, the Minneapolis Police Department and other City departments to help achieve lasting positive change. Working under the Managing Attorney – Implementation, this attorney will be part of a team that is working to implement many reforms required by the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). Eventually, this position may perform similar work with the U.S. Department of Justice. There's currently one full-time vacancy to be filled in the Civil Division of the City Attorney's Office.

ALL applicants MUST submit completed: City of Minneapolis online application, resume, and cover letter. Individuals are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter in addition to the online application. This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office. The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job duties and responsibilities include: interpreting the terms of the MDHR settlement agreement and advising departments and individuals in the City on compliance requirements; working with partners in the Minneapolis Police Department, Department of Civil Rights, and other departments to develop policy, training, plans, capabilities, and systems to accelerate public safety reform; researching and advising on legal issues related to reform efforts; representing the City in court hearings and submissions related to the MDHR settlement agreement; working with the MDHR and the independent evaluator regarding compliance with the agreement; conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions on issues; representing the City in federal and state trial and appellate courts and before administrative agencies; representing the City at all stages of legal matters related to pattern and practice investigations and associated settlement agreements or consent decrees; and drafting or reviewing contracts and other legal documents.

Working conditions include office and courtroom. Required qualifications include a minimum educational requirement of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) plus Minnesota attorney licensure through the successful bar examination and current active bar membership. Minimum experience is two or more years of relevant legal experience. Licenses/certifications include Minnesota attorney licensure obtained through a successful bar examination and current active bar membership. The selection process will consist of a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process. Interview selection the hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position. A writing sample will be requested of individuals selected to interview. Background check the City has determined that a full, criminal background check (CJIS) and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position. Union representation this position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the AFSCME Attorneys (CAT). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: AFSCME Attorneys - City of Minneapolis.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include a thorough understanding of relevant constitutional principles, knowledge of municipal law, ability to deal respectfully and effectively with people from all cultures, excellent oral and written communication skills, initiative and problem-solving skills, and forty-five credits of continuing legal education courses every three years. The following are desired: experience working with law enforcement or public safety agencies, experience representing a public entity as a lawyer or student attorney, jury or court trial experience, particularly in civil cases, and experience in researching and drafting legal memoranda and/or motions.