Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Prosecutor

Prosecutor Position

The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison — one of Minnesota's largest public law offices and recognized as a 2022 Star Tribune Top Workplace Minnesota and 2023 Top Workplace USA — has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who could all work elsewhere but choose public service as a calling, and we are actively building an internal culture that supports that calling.

The Office is currently seeking an experienced prosecutor in our Criminal Division.

The Criminal Division prosecutes complex felony cases at the request of county attorneys throughout the State of Minnesota. Prosecutors handle criminal cases from the investigation stage through trial and may also appear in postconviction matters. The prosecutors provide training to law enforcement agencies, county attorney offices, and other agencies involved in the criminal justice system. The Criminal Division employs paralegals to assist with the cases. The Criminal Division also has numerous attorneys who handle felony appeals for counties throughout the State and the prosecutors and appellate attorneys often collaborate with each other on issues that arise in both kinds of cases.

A successful candidate for this position should:

• Have extensive experience in handling criminal cases in the district courts
• Demonstrate excellent skills in motion practice, trial strategy, witness preparation, and trials
• Be able to travel periodically throughout Minnesota, as cases can be venued anywhere in the state
• Contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
• Be able to litigate independently and make strategic legal decisions on a diverse caseload
• Multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
• Work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment

Minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and license to practice in the State of Minnesota
• Six (6) years of experience practicing criminal law as a prosecutor or defense attorney; and/or equivalent time in other legal areas as an appellate practitioner
• Ability to travel to counties across the state
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Strong research, analytical, and trial strategy skills

Along with a cover letter, applicants must also submit a writing sample of up to 5 pages.

To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have 12 years of related experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ten (10) years of experience practicing criminal law as a prosecutor or defense attorney; and/or equivalent time in other legal areas as an appellate practitioner
• Experience using electronic files and case management tools

How to apply:

Interested applicants must apply online through the State of Minnesota Careers website, which is the State's official application and hiring site. We may hire more than one candidate. The deadline for first applications is Friday, February 24, 2023. We will continue to accept applications through May 30, 2023 for consideration for future hires.

1. Go to www.mn.gov/careers;
2. Apply for posting number 63049
3. Direct Link

IMPORTANT! Applicants must submit a writing sample of up to 5 pages with their cover letter.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Jake Pleschourt at jake.pleschourt@ag.state.mn.us or (651) 757-1057.