Attorney, Principal – Criminal Appeals

About the role

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office (CAO) is seeking to fill a Principal Attorney position in Criminal Appeals. This position will oversee and provide leadership to the Criminal Appeals staff who represent the State in all forms of criminal appellate work in Minnesota’s state appellate courts, while advancing department-based strategies that support the CAO mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

The Hennepin 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.

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate the performance of assigned professional legal staff.
• Participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of professional, investigative, and support staff; recommend and participate in merit and disciplinary decisions.
• Consult and advise with the County Attorney and Chief Deputy on administrative and legal matters relating to the policies and practices of the office.
• Provide guidance and assistance to subordinates on administrative and legal problems.
• 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.
• Prepare administrative reports, budgets, and communication as requested by leadership.
• Oversee and provide leadership to the Criminal Appeals staff who represent the State in all forms of criminal appellate work in Minnesota’s state appellate courts.
• Advance department-based strategies that support the CAO mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• Experience supervising and/or managing staff, including a team of attorneys.
• Experience handling complex criminal appellate litigation, including brief writing and oral argument before state appellate courts.
• Experience conducting legal research and preparing appellate briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda in criminal matters.
• Experience working in a Public Law Office.
• Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and appellate practice