Assistant County Attorney

Location: New Ulm, MN

Department: County Attorney

Opening Date: 08/03/2026 • Closing Date: 8/21/2026 4:30 PM Central

About the Role

The Assistant County Attorney assists and advises the County Attorney in the prosecution of crimes, the enforcement of child support, and the protection of children and vulnerable adults. The Assistant County Attorney acts as legal counsel for all county departments and agencies. In the absence of the County Attorney, the Assistant County Attorney attends County Board meetings and committee meetings. The Assistant County Attorneys are appointed by the County Attorney, with the consent of the County Board, and hold office during the pleasure of the County Attorney. Along with the County Attorney, they serve as the chief legal advisors to the County.

Responsibilities

• Criminal Law
  • Prosecutes all felonies within the County.
  • Prosecutes all gross misdemeanors (except aggravated DWIs occurring within an incorporated city).
  • Prosecutes all misdemeanors occurring outside incorporated cities.
  • Prepares and drafts legal documents such as complaints, search warrants, and discovery materials.
  • Attends all court hearings and proceedings.
  • Prepares and conducts trials for all criminal cases, including interviewing witnesses, preparing jury instructions, drafting memoranda of law, and presenting evidence and arguments.
  • Provides education and training to law enforcement officers on changes in the law.
  • Prepares appeals, including briefs and oral arguments.
  • Available 24 hours per day for law enforcement purposes.
  • Member of and participant in Drug Court, Criminal Justice Institute, Coordinating Council, and MCAA.
  • Conducts all phases of the Grand Jury process to obtain an indictment.
• Juvenile and Child Protection Law
  • Reviews reports concerning juveniles.
  • Meets with law enforcement officers, social workers, doctors, and other professionals regarding files.
  • Drafts petitions for delinquency, juvenile traffic, juvenile petty offender, child in need of protection or services, termination of parental rights, transfer of permanent legal and physical custody, and adoption.
  • Prepares for and attends all detention, adjudicatory, dispositional, and review hearings.
  • Initiates and conducts all termination of parental rights cases.
  • Participates in Child Protection Teams, School Truancy Team, Children's Justice Initiative, Juvenile Intensive Supervision Team, and other assigned groups.
  • Meets with and lectures community school classes at the request of instructors.
  • Available 24 hours per day to advise law enforcement, human services, public officials, and employees.
  • Represents human services in appeals of maltreatment determinations.
  • Attends Corner House interviews of children to advise forensic interviewers on civil/child protection matters.
• Civil Duties
  • Attends County Board meetings, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other meetings in the County Attorney's absence, providing legal advice.
  • Assists the County Attorney in drainage ditch proceedings.
  • Releases information and issues press releases at the direction of the County Attorney.
  • Assists in preparation of documents for condemnation proceedings and conducts trials if necessary.
  • Assists in drafting proposed county ordinances, resolutions, and rules.
  • Represents the state and county in collection of contested real and personal property taxes.
  • Prosecutes violations of county zoning ordinances.
  • Initiates legal documents for collection of county claims.
  • Assists in commitment cases, advising social workers, mental health workers, public health nurses, police, and doctors on the appropriateness of commitments.
  • Drafts and reviews petitions for commitment, prepares for and attends hearings, and drafts findings and orders as directed by the court.
  • Represents the County in medical assistance and recovery matters.
  • Assists in public guardianship/conservatorship proceedings.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Requirements

• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university and a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Passed the Minnesota bar exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.
• Completion of 45 hours of continuing legal education credits every 3 years.
• Four years’ experience as an Assistant County Attorney, with experience prosecuting criminal matters preferred.
• License to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License.
• Regular attendance.

Skills

• Knowledge of legal principles, rules of conduct, evidence, court procedures, and civil/criminal processes.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and local laws applicable to areas of practice.
• Skill in negotiation techniques and legal research methods.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management fundamentals.
• Knowledge of law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of contract review and drafting principles.
• Knowledge of county organizational structure and functions.
• Ability to work independently under short timelines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with high attention to detail.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel, judges, attorneys, clients, witnesses, law enforcement, county staff, elected officials, and the public.

Pay

Position is a Grade 17 with an entry salary range of $96,324.80 to $107,993.60, depending on qualifications. Full earning potential up to $135,740.80, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Vacation

  Vacation accruals vary based on years of service:

  • Up to 4 years: 101.66 hours biweekly (132 hours per year)
  • 4 to less than 8 years: 130 hours biweekly (169 hours per year)
  • 8 to less than 12 years: 157.30 hours biweekly (204.49 hours per year)
  • 12 to less than 16 years: 185.38 hours biweekly (241 hours per year)
  • 16 or more years: 201.50 hours biweekly (261.95 hours per year)
• Sick Leave

  Full-time employees earn 8 hours of sick leave per month.

• Paid Holidays

  Most employee groups observe the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • President's Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day (Observed)
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
• Health Insurance

  Full-time employees and those working 30+ hours per week may choose between single or family coverage. Eligibility begins on the first day of the month after employment. The County contributes monthly toward premiums and makes a semi-annual contribution to the employee's HSA for single or family coverage. Part-time employees working 30+ hours receive 75% of the county's contribution toward single coverage and HSA.

• Life Insurance

  Full-time employees receive $20,000 term life insurance and $20,000 AD&D at no cost. Part-time employees working 30+ hours are eligible with the County paying 75% of the premium.

• Retirement

  The County and employee contribute to PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association). Contribution rates vary by position.

• Variable Benefits

  Available on an elective basis at the employee's choice:

  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA)
  • Deferred Compensation (457b)
  • Roth IRA
  • Supplemental Life
  • AFLAC Plans