County Guardianship Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

** Associate County Attorney - $90,581 - $120,746

** Assistant County Attorney I - $95,101 - $126,787

** Assistant County Attorney II - $99,857 - $133,150

** Assistant County Attorney III - $104,849 - $139,813

Summary                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Freeborn County seeks to hire a full-time Assistant County Attorney and to establish an eligibility list.  The individual selected for this position will handle a mixed caseload, including criminal matters, social service cases and general county legal advice.  The caseload will focus on juvenile adjudication and CHIPS cases and will involve court hearings and trials as well as office practice.  There will be an emphasis on courtroom skills, and legal research abilities.  In addition to necessary courtroom skills, the successful applicant must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.  Requires a J.D. or L.L.B. Degree with a license to practice law in Minnesota –one year of experience as a law clerk and/or an attorney is preferred.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities
• Prosecutes adult and juvenile felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors to include: advising law enforcement on investigations; reviewing law enforcement reports; reviewing and analyzing evidence; assessing strength of case/charges; interviewing and subpoenaing witnesses; drafting and filing or dismissing criminal charges; presenting criminal cases through court trials and jury trials through to verdict; filing motions with the court; preparing and responding to discovery requests; negotiating with opposing counsel and unrepresented parties on plea agreement; and filing motions and appeals before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
• Prosecutes child support and paternity cases to include: drafting proposed court findings, order, motions, affidavits and answers; prepares and responds to discovery requests; advises child support officers; researches laws; appears and argues and tries cases in district court and administrative proceedings; presents evidence, testimony and argument; and negotiates with opposing counsel and unrepresented parties.
• Prosecutes juveniles in CHIPs and delinquency cases to include: draft petitions; evaluate cases, prepare and respond to discovery requests, negotiate with opposing counsel and unrepresented parties; prepare witnesses; advise social workers and/or court services officers; present evidence and testimony and draft proposed findings and orders for the court’s review and signature.
• Represent the County in Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings to include: draft petitions, motions, and discovery requests; respond to discovery requests; advise social workers; negotiate with opposing counsel or unrepresented parties; present cases for trial; and meet and prepare witnesses including medical professionals, social workers and lay witnesses.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     • Prepare and present cases for the involuntary commitment of mentally ill and chemically dependent persons including: review pre-petition screening reports; create legal petitions; represent the petitioner in court; present evidence and testimony, and file motions.
• Litigate on behalf of the County in civil forfeitures to include: file and serve moving papers; negotiate with third parties, unrepresented parties, and opposing counsel; prepare and respond to discovery requests; represent the county in court; present evidence and testimony; and file motions.
• Prepare witnesses for testifying, both lay and expert.
• Provide legal advice to the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, County Officers and Department Heads.
• Provide legal expertise on data privacy issues to county departments.
• Represent County in Administrative actions including maltreatment, licensing, and financial appeals. Assist Human Services in drafting responsive paperwork. Attend pre-hearing conference. Prepare and respond to discovery requests, identify, notify, and prepare witnesses for testimony. Prepare exhibits and statements of the case. Consult with Commissioners’ legal counsel as to possible settlement. Present testimony at hearing. Prepare and file exceptions to Administrative Hearing Officers/Judges final recommendations.
• Assists Human Services adult protection unit regarding vulnerable adult investigations. Review requests for assistance with emergency and general guardianship's and/or conservatorships. Draft petitions, identify, and prepare witnesses, exhibits, and present evidence to Court. Draft orders for guardianship and conservatorship.
• Review referrals from Department of Corrections for sexually dangerous/sexual predatory person commitments. Gather information and submit to consulting psychologist for review. Confer with Attorney General’s Office as to who will petition and prosecute matter. Attend administrative review hearings regarding discharge and reduction in custody of committed SDP/SPPs.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities
• Maintain professional, effective communication with all County departments, co-workers, other agencies and the public.
• Attend Continuing Legal Education classes and various other training functions to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current laws, policies, rules, procedures and contract compliance issues.
• Creates and maintains files and records, including entering information into computer databases.
• Performs public relations duties and education for the community and press regarding the court system, crime and crime prevention, and pending cases.
• Conducts training/education for law enforcement and human services.
• Collaborate with Victim/Witness Coordinator.

Data Practices Compliance Duties and Responsibilities Addendum
• Responds to questions and concerns from the public making data practices requests.
• Responds to data practices questions from County officials and staff.
• Maintains working knowledge of data practices statutes and issues by reviewing statutes; attending trainings; reading case law and reviewing pertinent literature.
• Provides training to County Departments on data practices requirements upon request of Department Head.
• Advise Freeborn County Responsible Authorities regarding changes in laws and current data practices issues in the County.                                                                                  • Drafts data practices policies for County Board approval.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local criminal and civil law.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and skill in analyzing evidence.
• Knowledge of court rules including civil procedure, criminal procedures, juvenile procedure, family court procedure and civil appellate procedure.
• Knowledge of sentencing guidelines.
• Skill in prosecuting criminal, civil and other cases.
• Skill in evaluating, preparing and managing cases.
• Skill in performing legal research.
• Skill in presenting written and oral arguments.
• Ability to train and work with law enforcement and human services personnel.
• Ability and skill in effective negotiating and dispute resolution.
• Skill in prioritizing and delegating work tasks.
• Ability to use computers and relevant software.
• Ability to maintain effective public relations and deal with persons in conflict situations.
• Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved.
• Ability to perform widely varied work involving complex and significant variables requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and relationships to negotiate agreements or motivate behavior requiring strategy, timing and ability to engender trust.

Education and Experience
• Juris Doctor

Licenses/Certifications This position will require the acquisition and maintenance of the following additional certificates/licenses:
• Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • License to practice law in the State of Minnesota

Equipment and Tools
• Office equipment and technology

Physical and Mental Requirements
This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 20 pounds of force.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment with some travel required. There is considerable public contact, some of which is with hostile, angry or uncooperative persons.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

Freeborn County offers a robust benefits package including: PTO, life insurance, dental, vision, short term and long-term disability, AFLAC, PERA, Nationwide Retirement, flex spending, medical with generous VEBA contributions, and a free clinic for employees and their family members who are covered under the county insurance.

***Completed applications along with cover letter and resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants who apply by Monday, June 22nd, 2026, will be given priority for the first round of interviews. Starting salary range is $90,581 - $139,813 annually depending on qualifications. ***

FREEBORN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER