Deputy General Counsel - General Counsel 1
Job Details
Working Title: Deputy General Counsel
Job Class: General Counsel 1
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID: 92420
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Limited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 02/25/2026
Closing Date: 03/17/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial
Division/Unit: General Counsel’s Office
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $50.25 - $71.95 / hourly; $104,922 - $150,231 / annually
Classified Status: Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented
End Date: up to one (1) year
FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
We offer a dynamic team-oriented environment where everyone's contribution is key to successful outcomes. You will be part of a strong team dedicated to the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) mission to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone. If this interests you, we want to hear from you!
The Deputy General Counsel provides the Department of Employment and Economic Development ("Department") with leadership and legal expertise to support the Department's compliance with state and federal laws.
Responsibilities:
Conduct legal research, writing, and analysis, and provide legal advice to the Department, including but not limited to the Department’s economic development division, on a variety of complex and/or novel legal topics. Such topics include, but are not limited to, complex agreements/commercial lending transactions and other complex finance deal structuring in which these transactions often include multiple creditors, securitization, abnormal collateral, loan workouts, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, and loan enforcement actions.
Assist the General Counsel in coordinating and managing legal work throughout the Department.
Provide legal direction regarding the Department's litigation, tort claims, worker's compensation matters, and administrative appeals.
Assist with the Department’s rulemaking activities.
Collaborate with other Department staff concerning implementation of legal policies and best practices.
Provide legal training on a variety of topics to Department staff.
Assume the duties of the General Counsel in case of absence.
Perform other duties as assigned.
This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
This position will be based out of the St. Paul office.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
This is a temporary unclassified appointment anticipated to last up to one (1) year.
Writing Sample:
Individuals who are selected for interview may be requested to complete a written exercise.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending months and years for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Five (5) years of legal experience as a practicing attorney, which must include conducting legal research, writing, and analysis.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school.
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and current with continuing legal education requirements.
Experience providing legal advice to senior management or executives.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one (1) or more of the following areas or closely related field as determined by the hiring agency:
Employment law
Government grants/contracts/acquisitions
Rulemaking
Tort claims
Worker's compensation matters
Civil litigation as lead counsel or co-counsel
Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data, and provide protection of not public data
Commercial lending transactions and other complex finance deal structuring including but not limited to multiple creditors, securitization, abnormal collateral, loan workouts, UCC filings, and loan enforcement actions
Experience handling issues related to state and federal laws as they relate to DEED programs and services.
Experience planning and delivering complex legal training to non-legal audiences.
Experience working with and/or at the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and/or State/Federal government agencies.
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
Criminal Background Check
Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Driver’s License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Veterans
To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility.
Current State Employees
Please apply via Self Service.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Timothy High at timothy.high@state.mn.us
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF
Diabetes care
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
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.
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