Paid Leave Judge - Compensation Attorney

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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesotas principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.

DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.

Job Details

Working Title: Paid Leave Judge

Job Class: Compensation Attorney

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 97307
• 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: 09/26/2026
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 7:30am - 4:00pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• End Date: Up to three (3) years
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work youll 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

About the Paid Leave Division:

The Paid Leave program launched on January 1, 2026. The program provides partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who are out of work due to a qualifying condition, such as a severe health condition that prevents them from working, or when they need time to care for a family member or a new child. We are building and implementing a program that will be easy for every Minnesotan to use. The Paid Leave team has high standards and an unrelenting commitment to serving Minnesotans. It is a start-up environment without legacy systems or preconceived ways of working, so we have a unique opportunity to create human-centric processes and systems to deliver this new benefit to Minnesotans.

Position Purpose:

This posting will be used to fill multiple positions for compensation attorneys to act as Paid Leave Judges. Paid Leave Judges will hold critical roles in our organization. Paid Leave Judges hold de novo, due process evidentiary hearings for Paid Leave applicants and employers and deliver timely decisions that include making findings of fact and reasons for decision. Most importantly, you will ensure participants in the program receive a fair hearing experience. Paid Leave Judges also support Paid Leave's appellate work before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court, as well as perform case intake and analysis.

As the first judges in the Paid Leave program, your decisions will be matters of first impression that are the final agency decision which is appealable to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. This is an exciting opportunity to join a legal team making a difference for Minnesotans!

Reporting to the Paid Leave Appeals Manager, you're key to the overall success of our division.

Key Responsibilities:

• Holding Hearings: Preside over and conduct de novo single and multi-party party Paid Leave administrative evidentiary hearings, under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 268B.
• Writing Decisions: Writing cogent, legally correct decisions announcing findings of fact, reasons for decision, and decision.
• Reconsideration Requests: Ruling on requests for reconsideration which become the final agency decisions that may be appealed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
• Timely Execution of Duties: Must hold multiple hearings in a day, and issue written decisions according to expectations. This is a position requiring efficiency and expeditiousness.
• Intake Appeals: Review newly filed appeals, properly set up the case file, and determine necessary procedure for each case.
• Start-up Spirit: We're a start-up within state government; you are excited to play a key role in continuing to develop the organization, processes, and systems required to deliver the appeals capabilities for Paid Leave.

This is a temporary unclassified appointment anticipated to last up to three (3) years.

This position will be open on a continuous basis until posted end date or until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis until the posting is closed.

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Graduate of an accredited law school and have a current active law license in good standing in the State of Minnesota

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Ability to manage a hearing including asking probing questions to develop a record necessary to make findings of fact, ruling on objections, and working with a wide range of individuals including pro se parties and attorneys.
• Experience performing legal research and using that research to conduct complex statutory analysis, including interpreting statutes, rules, and case law, and applying them to factual records.
• Ability to draft and issue legal decisions, motions, appellate briefs, and other documents in clear, well-reasoned plain language within time requirements.
• Ability to receive and apply feedback, embrace constructive direction from managers, adapt to changing program needs, and work collaboratively and flexibly in a start-up dedicated to a culture of excellence and and ongoing improvement
• Ability to maintain a judicial temperament (e.g., impartiality, curiosity, open-mindedness, patience, decisiveness) and demonstrate the integrity, judgment, and ethical conduct required of those exercising decision-making in roles of public trust.
• Ability to learn and use a case management system and other technological tools and applications, including the Microsoft Office Suite, Webex, Westlaw, and similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as an administrative law judge, hearing officer, advocate, mediator, or qualified neutral.
• Experience clerking for a district court or appellate judge
• Experience working in customer service roles-such as in hospitality, retail, or other public-facing environments-that foster interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to effectively understand and respond to diverse needs and concerns.
• Experience with Unemployment Insurance Law, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Ace (ADA), Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability, Human Services, or other related health care laws and regulations.
• Appellate court work experience, including drafting briefs, responding to motions, and participating in oral arguments.
• Fluency in another language, especially Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Khmer, Russian, Lao, Vietnamese, or Karen.
• 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 Veterans 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 Minnesotas 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, youll 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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