Attorney, Senior (Internal County Attorney's applicants only)

Full Job Description

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office (CAO) is seeking to fill a Senior Attorney position within the Child Protection Division and to create a list for future supervising and non-supervising vacancies across the department.

The Child Protection Senior Attorney will provide leadership and oversight to attorneys who advise and represent the Human Services Department of Hennepin County.

Child Protection attorneys file petitions in Juvenile Court alleging that a child is in need of protection services, when it becomes necessary to obtain court jurisdiction over a family to provide protective services.

The County Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor of all adult felony and juvenile crimes in Hennepin County. The County Attorney is also responsible for providing legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners and all county departments, as well as representing the county government in civil lawsuits, child support matters, and child protection actions.

Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at various buildings in downtown Minneapolis and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position is required to be in-person for court proceedings and otherwise as needed. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

About this position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position. You must be a current regular or probationary employee of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office to apply for this position.
Note: Limited duration employees are not eligible.
This position is internally classified as an Attorney, Senior.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate the work and performance of assigned professional legal staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Lead and manage teams by selecting, training, and mentoring staff.
• Monitor staff caseloads and assure appropriate distribution.
• Advise county departments and agencies regarding legal questions and challenges.
• Use personal caseload to demonstrate and teach legal skills in child protection services.
• Assure adherence to office policies and procedures.
• Allocate resources and establish policies, procedures, and priorities within the work unit consistent with office and divisional objectives.
• Maintain liaison with the courts and other public agencies as it relates to their assigned work unit.
• Interpret and communicate management objectives to staff in work units.

Need to have:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and four years or more of experience as an attorney.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • With child protections services, criminal prosecution, litigation and civil counsel (advisory or transactional) or other field appropriate to the position.
  • As an attorney in the field of public law.
  • Demonstrating leadership and/or management skills.
• Knowledge of:
  • 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.
  • Pleading and practicing effective presentation of court cases.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and persuasive public speaking ability.
• Ability to:
  • Prepare, direct, and conduct trials, defenses and appeals effectively.
  • Establish effective working relationships and to collaborate with other county departments.
  • Plan, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff.
  • Analyze and apply legal principles to specific situations and issues.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate complex transactional documents.

About the department:
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is a fierce advocate for justice and equity, pursuing holistic community safety and providing quality legal services through evidence-informed practices and collaborative problem solving.

We prosecute crimes with fairness and integrity. We advocate for victims of crime by seeking meaningful accountability and supporting healing. We use preventive and restorative approaches to address the complex root causes of crime and violence. We engage with partners to pursue system accountability. And we provide proactive and innovative legal services in the areas of mental health, child support, child protection, and civil legal representation for Hennepin County to advance the County’s efforts to reduce disparities and enhance the quality of life of our community.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge.

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Lidy Vu

Lidy.Vu@hennepin.us

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