Dispute Resolution - Staff Attorney 2

Working Title: Dispute Resolution - Staff Attorney 2Job Class: Staff Attorney 2Agency: Education DepartmentJob ID: 95160Location: MinneapolisTelework Eligible: Yes - up to 50%Full/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: UnlimitedWho May Apply: Open to bidders and all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 07/07/26.Date Posted: 07/01/2026Closing Date: 07/21/2026Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPEDivision/Unit: Education-Minneapolis / Due ProcessWork Shift/Work Hours: Day ShiftDays of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: NoSalary Range: $38.55 - $57.35 / hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 / annuallyClassified Status: ClassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPEFLSA Status: Exempt - ProfessionalDesignated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: YesThe 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.ResponsibilitiesConduct 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.Serve as the lead attorney for written opinions and litigation matters for the MDE Dispute Resolution team.Determine the percentage of time will be dedicated to litigation, trust and equity, and policy work.Score to sign or prepare the written opinions that are required to be signed or reviewed by the state attorney general or state judge.May require up to 50% in‑office work for employees living within 50 miles of the office location; hybrid telework is an option for eligible employees.Minimum QualificationsJuris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school.Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or ability to obtain a license within six months of hire.At least three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney in an area of law related to this position.Experience Must Include The FollowingAnalyzing 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.Preferred QualificationsDemonstrated 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 superior written work product for legal advice and varied legal issues.Professional level experience interpreting, analyzing, researching and advising all levels of management on complex legal and policy requirements.Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws; strong knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and provide 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.Additional RequirementsWriting Sample: Individuals who are selected for an interview will be requested to submit a writing sample.Background CheckSEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)Employment Reference CheckConflict of Interest ReviewDriver's License CheckCriminal Background CheckBenefitsPaid vacation and sick leave12 paid holidays each yearLow‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plansFertility care, including IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)Employer paid life insurance to support family in the event of deathShort‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent careResources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑beingEQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERSMinnesota 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 encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.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 DisabilitiesMinnesota 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr