Associate Attorney

Salary Range: $97,094.40-$131,081.60
Close Date: September 7, 2026 @ 4:00 pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Department: County Attorney

 

Position Summary

The Associate County Attorney position provides legal advice and opinions, prepares and manages cases, drafts legal documents, conducts legal research, and represents the County in court proceedings.

The Associate County Attorney works with law enforcement, victims, County departments, elected and appointed officials, courts, and other public agencies. This position requires sound legal judgment, strong communication skills, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to effectively manage a varied caseload.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree.

• Sufficient experience necessary to demonstrate competency for the position.

Required Licenses

• Admission to the Minnesota State Bar.

• Valid driver's license.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Develop cases by reviewing police reports, criminal investigations, evidence, and other relevant information.

• Draft and recommend policies and procedures for law enforcement staff.

• Manage assigned legal cases from preparation through resolution.

• Represent the County in court proceedings, including trials, hearings, motions, and other legal matters.

• Select juries, argue motions, prepare briefs, present legal arguments, and perform other litigation-related activities.

• Prosecute criminal cases and perform other legal activities for County departments, divisions, and courts.

• Communicate with victims and other involved parties throughout the legal process.

• Negotiate settlements and other case resolutions when appropriate.

• Prepare petitions, pleadings, briefs, contracts, and other legal documents.

• Conduct legal research and analyze complex legal issues.

• Review and apply applicable rules of appellate procedure.

• Provide legal advice and guidance to County staff, department heads, committees, and boards.

• Assist with appeals and other complex legal matters as assigned.

• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge and skill in:

• Legal theory and legal research methods.

• Federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and statutes.

• Court procedures and the criminal justice system.

• Caseload management.

• Legal document preparation.

• Providing sound and well-reasoned legal advice.

• Analyzing complex information and applying legal principles to individual cases and issues.

• Organizing and evaluating facts, evidence, and legal precedent.

• Professional verbal and written communication.

• Public speaking and courtroom presentation.

• Maintaining composure, professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, law enforcement, public agencies, private agencies, and members of the public.

• Using computers and related software applications.

Decision-Making and Independent Judgment

This position has considerable latitude in determining appropriate legal actions, strategies, processes, and methods based on professional knowledge and experience. Assignments are broad in nature and require independent judgment in determining how assigned cases and legal matters should be handled.

The Associate County Attorney receives direction from the County Attorney or designee and is responsible for achieving clearly defined objectives and providing effective legal services to the County.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position primarily performs semi-sedentary work in a professional office or courtroom environment. Responsibilities may require:

• Extended computer and keyboard use.

• Standing for courtroom presentations and other proceedings.

• Communicating detailed information verbally and in writing.

• Lifting boxes weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Working under deadlines and handling the pressures associated with courtroom appearances and public speaking.

• Interacting professionally with individuals who may be emotionally charged or experiencing difficult circumstances.

• Attendance at occasional evening or weekend meetings, court proceedings, or events.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Confidentiality and Data Practices

This position may encounter Not Public Data as defined by Minnesota or federal law. Employees are expected to access confidential information only as necessary to perform assigned job duties and to take appropriate measures to protect that information from unauthorized access.

Employees must comply with applicable Mower County Data Practices and Data Security policies, as well as applicable Minnesota and federal laws regarding confidential information.

Benefits

Mower County offers a competitive benefits package that may include:

• Competitive pay

• Paid time off

• 13 paid holidays

• Minnesota PERA retirement

• Weekend, night, and holiday premiums, when applicable

• Health insurance, including some plans with a $0 monthly employee premium

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• On-site fitness room

• Additional benefit and retirement programs

• Minnesota Paid Leave Program

• Employer-paid short-term disability