Commission Environmental Attorney Jobs in Minnesota

The Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison has a clear mission: we help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect. We are a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who choose public service as a calling, and we are actively and intentionally committed to supporting an internal culture that affirms that calling. The Office is one of Minnesota's largest public law offices and as of 2026, has been recognized as a Top Workplace Minnesota six years in a row and Top Workplace USA five years in a row.
Job Details
Working Title: Assistant Attorney General - Employment, Tort & Public Utilities Commission
Job Class: Staff Attorney 2 or 3 (Attorney General's Office)
Agency: Attorney General's Office

• Job ID: 96486
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Attorney General's Office / Attorney General-Excluded Oth
• Division/Unit: Attorney Gen. / ETP Sup
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• S2 (Attorney General's Office)Salary Range: $50.53 - $78.30 / hourly; $105,506 - $163,490 / annually
• S3 (Attorney General's Office)Salary Range: $54.12 - $83.57 / hourly; $113,002 - $174,494 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 221 - Excluded All Others/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No

*Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date.
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
The Office is currently seeking an Assistant Attorney General in the Employment, Tort, & Public Utilities (ETP) Division of the Solicitor General's Section.
Attorneys in the ETP Division defend the State and its agencies, officers, and employees from tort and employment claims. ETP Division attorneys also handle other complex civil matters such as defending challenges to the constitutionality of statutes. The attorney we seek to hire will have responsibility for a set of assigned cases and charges, which the attorney will handle from the initial Answer or Rule 12 motion, through discovery, dispositive motion practice, mediation, trial, and appeal. Mentorship and training are available through formal and informal channels. Because cases can be venued anywhere in the state, periodic travel throughout Minnesota may be required.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment (combination of in-office work and telework).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a law school accredited by the ABA and actively licensed in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota
• At least ten years of civil litigation experience (judicial clerkships can qualify for up to two years)
• An interest in handling tort and employment cases on behalf of the State before administrative tribunals, district courts, and the appellate courts
• Desire and interest in litigating autonomously and making strategic legal decisions as lead counsel on a diverse caseload
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills (a writing sample of up to five pages is required with application submission)
• Ability to:
  • travel to counties throughout the state
  • multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines
  • contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with clients and members of the public
  • work in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment

IMPORTANT! All applicants must prepare two documents to upload and submit with their application: 1) Resume; and 2) A cover letter with a writing sample (of up to five pages) in one document.
To be considered at the S3 level, candidates must have at least 12 years of directly related experience.
Preferred Qualifications

• A judicial clerkship
• Complex civil litigation experience including use of a document review tool, such as Everlaw, Relativity, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move and transport such articles as files, laptop computer and resource materials weighing up to 20 pounds

Additional Requirements
It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. This background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education / License Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
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 .
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Theresa Pinger at theresa.pinger@ag.state.mn.us or 651-300-7162 .
About Attorney General's Office
(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)
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.