Senior Assistant County Attorney – Labor and Employment

Position Summary

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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.

Flexible Workplace:

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in\-office full\-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two\-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote\-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on\-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Examples of Work Performed

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• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Draft proposed legislation and respond to inquiries in relation to proposed legislation.
• 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.
• Prepare appellate briefs by analyzing issues, reviewing transcripts and doing necessary legal research; make oral arguments to appellate courts.
• 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\.

Minimum Qualifications

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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.

Exam/Screening Process Information

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

• Training and Experience Rating \= 100%

The examination for Assistant Senior 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 Assistant Senior 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. Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E\-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E\-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I\-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E\-Verify to pre\-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I\-9\.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

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.

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

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well\-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026\-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026\.pdf

* Medical, dental and vision insurance

+ The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium

+ Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee \+ legally married spouse, Employee \+ Child(ren), Family

+ Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity

+ MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered

+ VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered

* Pre\-tax Benefit Program

+ Pre\-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option

+ Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

+ County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

* Paid time off

+ Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro\-rated for part\-time employees)

+ 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays

+ Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below

+ Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)

+ Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

* Retirement benefits

+ Pension \- The county contributes at least 7\.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments

+ New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years

+ Deferred compensation \- 457(b) account with employer match

+ Health Care Savings Plan \- all benefits\-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

* Transit and parking

+ Fully funded Metropass.

+ Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

* Employee well\-being

+ Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

+ Wellness programming

+ Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

* Life Insurance and Disability leave

+ County provided Basic Life coverage \- 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000\. Optional supplemental coverage available

+ Long\-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

+ Short\-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90\-day waiting period

* Career development

+ Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

+ Online professional development opportunities through the Learning \& Development Center

+ County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

+ Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026\-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026\.pdf