Assistant County Attorney 3 - Labor and Employment

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Assistant County Attorney 3 - Labor and Employment

Salary

$105,590.02 - $157,197.21 Annually

Location

(Ramsey County Courthouse) Saint Paul, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2024-00373

Department

30A01-Cnty Atty/Admin

Opening Date

04/19/2024

Closing Date

5/16/2024 11:59 PM Central

Basic Function

The current vacancy is in the County Attorney's Department.  The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

This position is for a Labor and Employment Attorney who will be assigned to the Civil Division of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. The Labor and Employment Attorney for Ramsey County performs professional legal work of a high degree of difficulty and complexity as a confidential, non-represented attorney in support of the County’s Human Resources and Labor Relations activities. This Attorney would meet the statutory definition of a confidential employee under Minnesota’s Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA) 179A.
 
The Labor and Employment Attorney will represent Ramsey County and advise the County Board, Human Resources Department and Labor Relations Manager, and other County clients, on labor and employment law issues by conducting legal research and prepare legal opinions on issues for pending lawsuits and administrative matters. The Labor and Employment Attorney for Ramsey County will prepare lawsuits for trial and try cases relating to employment, personnel, civil rights, governmental authority, civil rights actions and personnel matters in State and Federal court and before administrative agencies, law judges and arbitrators.
 
This Attorney will advise and assist in drafting personnel policies and labor agreements, provide legal advice to the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resource Deputies and Labor Relations Manager, as well as other officials of the County. The Labor and Employment Attorney will provide legal consultation on administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreements and when requested, will actively participate in meetings and negotiations with the Labor Relations Manager on behalf of the County. This Attorney will also advise the Human Resources Department on the legal implications of labor relations and human resources management activities, including but not limited to, negotiations, mediation, interest, arbitration, grievance arbitration and personnel policy compliance. The Labor and Employment Attorney will assist in developing labor relations information as defined in Minnesota Statute 13.37 and personnel data as defined in Minnesota Statute 13.43.
 
Prepare lawsuits for trial and try cases relating to employment, personnel, civil rights, governmental authority, civil rights actions and personnel matters in State and Federal court and before administrative agencies, law judges and arbitrators., including but not limited to, negotiations, mediation, interest arbitration, grievance arbitration and personnel policy compliance. Represent the County in any subsequent administrative or judicial proceedings relating to such human resources or labor relations and employment activities.

Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy 

If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

  1. Prepare cases for judicial and administrative proceedings by interviewing clients and witnesses, investigating facts, researching law, drafting pleadings, subpoenaing and interviewing witnesses, analyzing the opposition's case, and writing legal memoranda and briefs.
  2. Try assigned criminal or civil cases and represent the County at judicial hearings by presenting facts, analyzing evidence and information as it is conveyed during the proceedings, and adjusting the County's case as necessary; make recommendations on whether to file appeals.
  3. Determine whether to charge, drop charges or negotiate pleas by analyzing facts in relation to established charging or plea negotiation standards; contact crime victims in accordance with the Victim's Rights Act.
  4. Advise less experienced staff attorneys on matters of trial strategy, analysis and presentation of evidence, case negotiation or other matters of law; assign work to and review, revise and discuss the legal opinions, pleadings, strategies and settlements of law clerks; direct the work of clerical staff in the preparation of legal documents.
  5. Negotiate contracts, leases, lawsuit settlements or similar legal matters by assessing clients' needs, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of clients' and opponents' bargaining positions and meeting with opponents' representatives so that the clients' objectives can be reached at minimal cost.
  6. Analyze legislation, case law, legal publications and other relevant literature in order to maintain accurate, current information on legal developments in all areas of law.
  7. Prepare legal opinions and plan litigation in order to resolve immediate issues and to establish a basis for resolving future matters of a similar nature.
  8. Draft proposed legislation and respond to inquiries in relation to proposed legislation.
  9. Provide training and advice to law enforcement officers, attorneys, corrections workers, social workers, and other relevant parties in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment.
  10. Prepare appellate briefs by analyzing issues, reviewing transcripts and doing necessary legal research; make oral arguments to appellate courts.
  11. Recommends the disposition of cases to judges, referees, arbitrators and administrative law judges.
 
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification.  Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college of law.
 
Experience:  Five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
 
Certifications/Licensure:  Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and completion of 45 credits of continuing legal education every three years.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Assistant County Attorney 3 will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating.  The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely.  Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List:  The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Assistant County Attorney 3. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 3 months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.

Veteran's Preference:  This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process.  Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process.  Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
 
Criminal Background Checks:  All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation:  Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer:  Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
 
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan Simmons at Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us 

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2024-benefits
 

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
    • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
    • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
    • MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
    • VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
 
  • Pre-tax Benefit Program
    • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
    • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
    • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
 
  • Paid time off
    • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
    • 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday
    • Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
    • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
    • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
 
  • Retirement benefits
    • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
    • New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
    • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
    • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
 
  • Transit and parking
    • Fully funded Metropass.
    • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
 
  • Employee well-being
    • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
    • Wellness programming
    • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
 
  • Life Insurance and Disability leave
    • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available 
    • Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
    • Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
 
  • Career development
    • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
    • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
    • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
    • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2024 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2024-benefits

01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
  • Yes
  • No
02
Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have or have you ever held a professional license?
  • Yes
  • No
04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the type of license(s) and the State or jurisdiction the license is or was held; also indicate the status of your license(s). If this does not apply to you, please write "N/A" in the space provided.
05
Please indicate your Minnesota Attorney License number.
06
Did you attach an electronic copy of your Minnesota Attorney license card (using the resume link functionality)? Your application will be considered incomplete if you do not submit a copy of this item.
  • Yes
  • No
07
Describe your experience practicing public sector labor law, including your experience providing advisory and litigation legal services in that area of law. Identify the length of time you have handled these types of legal services, the volume of matters you have handled and some of the more notable or complex matters you have handled. Include all relevant descriptive information. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A" in the space provided below. Do not type "see resume" or "see application".
08
Describe your experience practicing public sector employment law, including your experience providing advisory and litigation legal services in that area of law. Identify the length of time you have handled these types of legal services, the volume of matters you have handled and some of the more notable or complex matters you have handled. Include all relevant descriptive information. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A" in the space provided below. Do not type "see resume" or "see application".
09
Describe your experience providing civil legal services to a public sector client, acting through its numerous departments and employees. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A" in the space provided below. Do not type "see resume" or "see application".
10
Describe your experience practicing employment and labor law outside of the public sector, including the length of time you have done so and the volume of advisory matters and litigating cases for which you were responsible. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A" in the space provided below. Do not type "see resume" or "see application".
11
Please briefly describe any additional relevant professional experience not discussed in Questions 1-11 that would assist in performing the Job duties as a labor and employment attorney. If you do not have this type of experience, type "N/A" in the space provided below. Do not type "see resume" or "see application."
12
Do you currently have a law license in good standing?
  • Yes
  • No
13
The work performed by employees of Ramsey County requires frequent interaction, collaboration, relationship building and problem solving with individuals from a variety of diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, occupational or socioeconomic backgrounds. The Office of the Ramsey County Attorney is committed to building a culturally competent work environment in which our employees have the skills to interact effectively and respectfully with people of cultures that are different than their own. In the space below, please briefly describe your professional, personal and volunteer experience working or interacting with diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, occupational or socioeconomic populations. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A" in the space below. Do not type "see resume" or "see application".

Required Question

Agency
Ramsey County
Address
121 East Seventh Place
Suite 4000
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Phone
(651) 266-2700