Attorney III
Apply NowCompany: Wright County, MN
Location: Buffalo, MN 55313
Description:
Salary : $112,049.60 - $156,873.60 Annually
Location : Buffalo MN 55313, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025 February - Attorney III
Department: Attorney
Opening Date: 02/06/2025
Closing Date: 2/20/2025 11:59 PM Central
General Definition of Work
Performs complex professional work providing legal services to the departments, agents, employees, and officers of the Wright County governmental unit; prosecuting criminal cases; and providing legal representation in civil lawsuits. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief of Civil Division and Chief of Criminal Division. Oversight is exercised over Legal Support Staff.
This position is a high-level/promotional step that recognizes competency and experience and an acknowledgement of the increased duties and responsibilities and is expected to operate with a greater degree of independence than Attorney I or Attorney II levels, and there may be significant specialization in areas of the law where the incumbent becomes the subject matter expert and serves as an advisor to others in the office and various departments, agencies and people that their assigned duties and responsibilities impact. At this level, the Attorney is expected to assist with, advising, and mentoring both Attorney I's and Attorney II's and support staff within their assigned duties and responsibilities; and is further expected to assist with policies, procedures, programming, and training within their area of assigned responsibility. This position may be more likely to be assigned to the more complex or high-profile cases, but also continues to work routine cases as the workload requires.
The essential duties and responsibilities include both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, and as such, some essential functions listed below may be done more infrequently based on assignment.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications & Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Education and Experience
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law, and five years of experience as a practicing Attorney with at least two years as an Assistant County Attorney or equivalent/relevant county/municipal law practice experience.
Special Requirements
Successful completion of the Minnesota Bar Exam and license to practice law in the State of Minnesota; License to practice in the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Supreme Court.
License to practice in the Federal District Court, Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota (if representing the County in that Court).
License to practice in the Federal Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (if representing the County in that Court).
Requires ability to pass BCA background check.
Up-to-date status for continuing legal education, monitored by Minnesota Office of Continuing Legal Education.
A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required upon hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of all duties and responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office; knowledge of Minnesota statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to criminal and civil law, child support and paternity matters, and specific statutes, ordinances, regulations, and case law affecting operation of Wright County departments and court system; knowledge of electronic legal research techniques; knowledge of courtroom decorum and trial procedures and tactics; skill in the use of standard office equipment, including computer and software programs; analytical skills sufficient to analyze, interpret, and apply a complex and wide variety of County, State, and Federal statutes, regulations and ordinances; verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences; reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and understand legal documents; interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive information; ability to be persuasive with judges, juries, other attorneys, and members of the general public; ability to apply legal principles and precedents and prepare and try complex civil or criminal cases; ability to deal effectively with demanding/challenging individuals and individuals in crisis; ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan, make decisions and successfully respond to changing circumstances; ability to perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices; ability to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships with others when carrying out all job functions.
Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Wright County offers an exceptional benefit package including vacation, sick leave and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package is health, preventative dental and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (pension). For a more detailed overview of our benefit package,
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete all the following supplemental questions. I understand that I will only receive credit to responses that are supported in the information I provide in my employment application and that a resume will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Please check the "yes" button if you have read and understand this.
02
This position requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law, and five years of experience as a practicing Attorney with at least two years as an Assistant County Attorney or equivalent/relevant county/municipal law practice experience.Do you meet the minimum requirements as listed?
03
Please indicate what institution you received your degree from and the date received. Also, indicate when you received your license to practice law in Minnesota and include License Number.
04
Describe your education and experience that indicates you fulfill the listed minimum qualifications.
05
How many years of experience do you have supervising staff as an attorney?
06
If experience is selected in the question above, please describe experience and include name of employer, job title and dates of the work experience. (If no experience, type "N/A")
07
In which of the following areas do you have paid work experience as an attorney? Check all that apply.
08
If indicated you have experience in the question above, please describe experience in the related areas of practice. (If no experience, type "N/A")
09
In which of the following areas do you have paid work experience as an attorney? Check all that apply.
10
If indicated you have experience in the question above, please describe experience in the related areas of practice. (If no experience, type "N/A")
11
How many years of CHIPS experience do you have as an attorney?
12
If experience is selected in the question above, please describe experience and include name of employer, job title and dates of the work experience. (If no experience, type "N/A")
13
In which of the following areas do you have paid work experience as a practicing attorney? Check all that apply.
14
If indicated you have experience in the question above, please describe experience in the related areas of practice. (If no experience, type "N/A")
15
Veterans preference points are awarded to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans and are added to competitive exam results. Qualified veterans are eligible to receive 10 or 15 preference points subject to the provisions of MN Statutes 197.455. YOU MUST SUPPLY A COPY OF YOUR DD214 (Member Copy 4). Disabled veterans must also supply a letter from the USDVA verifying active duty disability. Spouses applying for preference points must supply their marriage certificate, the veteran's DD214 and a letter from the USDVA verifying the veteran's disability or death certificate. Veterans applying for promotional exams may only claim veterans preference points if they have a service connected disability of 50% or more. The five points preference is only available when applying for the first promotion after securing employment with Wright County. All required documents must be received no later than the closing deadline for accepting your application. Are you applying for Veterans Preference points?
16
I understand that any falsified information, omissions of important facts, or misrepresentation of my job education or experience on either the application or during my interview may disqualify me from further consideration for employment and may be considered justification for dismissal, if hired.
Required Question
Location : Buffalo MN 55313, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025 February - Attorney III
Department: Attorney
Opening Date: 02/06/2025
Closing Date: 2/20/2025 11:59 PM Central
General Definition of Work
Performs complex professional work providing legal services to the departments, agents, employees, and officers of the Wright County governmental unit; prosecuting criminal cases; and providing legal representation in civil lawsuits. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief of Civil Division and Chief of Criminal Division. Oversight is exercised over Legal Support Staff.
This position is a high-level/promotional step that recognizes competency and experience and an acknowledgement of the increased duties and responsibilities and is expected to operate with a greater degree of independence than Attorney I or Attorney II levels, and there may be significant specialization in areas of the law where the incumbent becomes the subject matter expert and serves as an advisor to others in the office and various departments, agencies and people that their assigned duties and responsibilities impact. At this level, the Attorney is expected to assist with, advising, and mentoring both Attorney I's and Attorney II's and support staff within their assigned duties and responsibilities; and is further expected to assist with policies, procedures, programming, and training within their area of assigned responsibility. This position may be more likely to be assigned to the more complex or high-profile cases, but also continues to work routine cases as the workload requires.
The essential duties and responsibilities include both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, and as such, some essential functions listed below may be done more infrequently based on assignment.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Provides legal services for and represents Wright County, including the County Board and County departments; attends meetings and provides training and consultation; reviews, negotiates, and drafts contracts and agreements; provides counsel for County departments in developing policies and procedures; works with County officials and employees to develop and draft proposed ordinances; composes legal documents to support positions on appeals; develops, implements, and runs programs and procedures.
- Researches, analyzes, and interprets new legislation, statutes, laws.
- Consults, advises, and represents the County in civil matters and lawsuits brought against the County, its agents, officials and employees.
- Drafts pleadings for criminal prosecutions and prepares and prosecutes felonies, gross misdemeanors and, to the extent prescribed by law, violation of misdemeanors and municipal ordinances and rules.
- Consults, advises, and represents the County in juvenile delinquency, truancy, CHIPS (Children in Need of Protection or Services) and/or termination of parental rights petitions, and in welfare appeal and inebriety/mental illness commitments.
- Trains, advises, and develops policy for law enforcement officers, corrections workers, social workers, and other persons within the County in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment, including long-term, in-depth research and legal advice regarding policy and specific information regarding time-sensitive situations.
- Acts as liaison to various boards, committees, and community groups, based on caseload assignments, recommending policy development within the County and State directing communicating and collaborating with public and elected officials and other community leaders, and researching and interpreting law for the purposes of recommending policy development.
- Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications & Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Education and Experience
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law, and five years of experience as a practicing Attorney with at least two years as an Assistant County Attorney or equivalent/relevant county/municipal law practice experience.
Special Requirements
Successful completion of the Minnesota Bar Exam and license to practice law in the State of Minnesota; License to practice in the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Supreme Court.
License to practice in the Federal District Court, Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota (if representing the County in that Court).
License to practice in the Federal Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (if representing the County in that Court).
Requires ability to pass BCA background check.
Up-to-date status for continuing legal education, monitored by Minnesota Office of Continuing Legal Education.
A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required upon hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of all duties and responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office; knowledge of Minnesota statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to criminal and civil law, child support and paternity matters, and specific statutes, ordinances, regulations, and case law affecting operation of Wright County departments and court system; knowledge of electronic legal research techniques; knowledge of courtroom decorum and trial procedures and tactics; skill in the use of standard office equipment, including computer and software programs; analytical skills sufficient to analyze, interpret, and apply a complex and wide variety of County, State, and Federal statutes, regulations and ordinances; verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences; reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and understand legal documents; interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive information; ability to be persuasive with judges, juries, other attorneys, and members of the general public; ability to apply legal principles and precedents and prepare and try complex civil or criminal cases; ability to deal effectively with demanding/challenging individuals and individuals in crisis; ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan, make decisions and successfully respond to changing circumstances; ability to perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices; ability to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships with others when carrying out all job functions.
Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Wright County offers an exceptional benefit package including vacation, sick leave and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package is health, preventative dental and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (pension). For a more detailed overview of our benefit package,
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete all the following supplemental questions. I understand that I will only receive credit to responses that are supported in the information I provide in my employment application and that a resume will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Please check the "yes" button if you have read and understand this.
- Yes
- No
02
This position requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law, and five years of experience as a practicing Attorney with at least two years as an Assistant County Attorney or equivalent/relevant county/municipal law practice experience.Do you meet the minimum requirements as listed?
- Yes
- No
03
Please indicate what institution you received your degree from and the date received. Also, indicate when you received your license to practice law in Minnesota and include License Number.
04
Describe your education and experience that indicates you fulfill the listed minimum qualifications.
05
How many years of experience do you have supervising staff as an attorney?
- No experience
- At least 1 year but less than 3 years
- 3 or more years
06
If experience is selected in the question above, please describe experience and include name of employer, job title and dates of the work experience. (If no experience, type "N/A")
07
In which of the following areas do you have paid work experience as an attorney? Check all that apply.
- Economic Development
- Real Estate
- Tax Appeals
- Data Practices
- Contract Negotiations
- Civil Commitments
- Child Support
- Ditch/Drainage Law
- Elections
- Eminent Domain
08
If indicated you have experience in the question above, please describe experience in the related areas of practice. (If no experience, type "N/A")
09
In which of the following areas do you have paid work experience as an attorney? Check all that apply.
- Civil Motion Practice
- Summary Judgement Motion Practice
- Civil Discovery
- Civil Depositions
- Civil Court or Jury Trial
- Firearm Restoration Proceedings
- Criminal or Civil Appeals
10
If indicated you have experience in the question above, please describe experience in the related areas of practice. (If no experience, type "N/A")
11
How many years of CHIPS experience do you have as an attorney?
- No experience
- At least 1 year but less than 3 years
- 3 or more years
12
If experience is selected in the question above, please describe experience and include name of employer, job title and dates of the work experience. (If no experience, type "N/A")
13
In which of the following areas do you have paid work experience as a practicing attorney? Check all that apply.
- City Attorney
- County Attorney
- Public Defender
14
If indicated you have experience in the question above, please describe experience in the related areas of practice. (If no experience, type "N/A")
15
Veterans preference points are awarded to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans and are added to competitive exam results. Qualified veterans are eligible to receive 10 or 15 preference points subject to the provisions of MN Statutes 197.455. YOU MUST SUPPLY A COPY OF YOUR DD214 (Member Copy 4). Disabled veterans must also supply a letter from the USDVA verifying active duty disability. Spouses applying for preference points must supply their marriage certificate, the veteran's DD214 and a letter from the USDVA verifying the veteran's disability or death certificate. Veterans applying for promotional exams may only claim veterans preference points if they have a service connected disability of 50% or more. The five points preference is only available when applying for the first promotion after securing employment with Wright County. All required documents must be received no later than the closing deadline for accepting your application. Are you applying for Veterans Preference points?
- No
- Yes - Veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge - see MN Statute 197.447
- Yes - Veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge and has a service connect disability of 10% or more
- Yes - Spouse of a veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge and has a service connected disability of 10% or more (the Veteran must also be qualified to apply for the position but their service connected disability restricts them from applying for or performing the job duties)
- Yes - Spouse of a deceased veteran who served on active duty 181 or more days, received an honorable discharge, had a service connected disability of 10% or more and was disabled at the time of death. You are ineligible if you have remarried or were divorced from the veteran.
- Yes - Spouse of a deceased veteran. You are ineligible if you have remarried.
- Yes - Current employee with a 50% or more service connected disability rating applying for the first promotion after securing employment with Wright County.
16
I understand that any falsified information, omissions of important facts, or misrepresentation of my job education or experience on either the application or during my interview may disqualify me from further consideration for employment and may be considered justification for dismissal, if hired.
- Yes
- No
Required Question