Dispute Resolution - Staff Attorney 2

About the role

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) seeks a Staff Attorney 2 to join the Dispute Resolution team. This position provides legal assistance and expertise to MDE, school districts, and charter schools regarding federal and state laws and rules.

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

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away.

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• Analyzing complex legal issues and conducting legal research
• 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

Benefits

• 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