Dispute Resolution - Staff Attorney 2

About the role

The Dispute Resolution team within the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking a Staff Attorney 2 to provide legal assistance and expertise to the staff at MDE, school districts and charter schools, and the general public regarding the application of federal and state laws and rules under MDE's jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Special Education State complaint investigations and make legally binding determinations of school district, charter school, and public agency compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, case law, and other guidance related to students with disabilities.
• Provide privileged legal technical assistance, legal analysis, legal advice, and practical assistance to internal customers with respect to the application of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and processes, to fact situations, hypothetical questions, and anticipatory litigation concerns.
• Promote early resolution of disputes by encouraging communication between internal customers and external customers and providing information about laws, procedures, and dispute resolution options.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or have the ability to do so within six months of hire
• At least three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related to this position

Qualifications

• Experience must include the following: analyzing complex legal issues and conducting legal research, including evaluating alternatives and making recommendations to leadership; applying legal ethics or professional conduct rules in a legal setting; developing or improving legal processes, workflows, or policies; working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Skills

• Demonstrated legal interest in issues relating to special education law, disability-related law, school law, nondiscrimination laws, and/or public interest law
• Excellent communication skills and written work product to provide legal advice and varied legal issues
• Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws; strong knowledge of Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and proved protection of non-public data
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
• Demonstrated ability to assist parties in generating solutions and resolving adversarial situations and persistent conflicts at the lowest level of controversy
• Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, apply knowledge of various and often conflicting laws, to arrive at logical and legally sound conclusions

Benefits

• Writing Sample: Individuals who are selected for an interview will be requested to submit a writing sample.
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care