Attorney, principal – criminal appeals

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office (CAO) is seeking to fill a Principal Attorney position in Criminal Appeals. This position will oversee and provide leadership to the Criminal Appeals staff who represent the State in all forms of criminal appellate work in Minnesota’s state appellate courts, while advancing department-based strategies that support the CAO mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

The Hennepin County Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor of all adult felony and juvenile crimes in Hennepin County. The County Attorney is also responsible for providing legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners and all county departments, as well as representing the county government in civil lawsuits, child support matters, and child protection actions.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours: This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487, and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

Note: You must attach a resume and cover letter with your application materials to be considered for this position.

About this position type: This is a full-time, benefit earning position. This position is internally classified as an Attorney, Principal. Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate the performance of assigned professional legal staff.
• Participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of professional, investigative, and support staff; recommend and participate in merit and disciplinary decisions.
• Consult and advise with the County Attorney and Chief Deputy on administrative and legal matters relating to the policies and practices of the office.
• Provide guidance and assistance to subordinates on administrative and legal problems.
• Allocate resources and establish policies, procedures, and priorities within the work unit consistent with office and divisional objectives.
• Maintain liaison with the courts and other public agencies as it relates to their assigned work unit.
• Prepare administrative reports, budgets, and communication as requested by leadership.

Need to have:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• Seven years or more of experience as an attorney.

Nice to have:

• Experience: Supervising and/or managing staff, including a team of attorneys.
• Handling complex criminal appellate litigation, including brief writing and oral argument before state appellate courts.
• Conducting legal research and preparing appellate briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda in criminal matters.
• Working in a Public Law Office.

Knowledge of:

• Criminal law, criminal procedure, and appellate practice in Minnesota state and federal courts.
• Local laws and ordinances, established precedents, and legal reference sources.
• Principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
• Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Pleading and practicing effective presentation of cases in court.
• Supervisory principles, including performance management, employee development, and disciplinary processes.
• Legal research methods, brief writing standards, and oral argument strategy in appellate litigation.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment under pressure, especially when advising on sensitive or high-risk legal issues.
• Interpret and apply statutes, case law, court rules, and legal precedents to diverse and complex appellate matters.
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of a professional legal staff.
• Establish effective working relationships with all levels of staff and collaborate with other county departments.
• Develop policies, procedures, and strategic approaches aligned with organizational goals.
• Communicate effectively, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and deliver persuasive oral arguments.

About the department: The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is a fierce advocate for justice and equity, pursuing holistic community safety and providing quality legal services through evidence-informed practices and collaborative problem solving. We prosecute crimes with fairness and integrity. We advocate for victims of crime by seeking meaningful accountability and supporting healing. We use preventive and restorative approaches to address the complex root causes of crime and violence. We engage with partners to pursue system accountability. And we provide proactive and innovative legal services in the areas of mental health, child support, child protection, and civil legal representation for Hennepin County to advance the County’s efforts to reduce disparities and enhance the quality of life of our community.

About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest). Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here. Watch this video for application best practices and tips. This position may have access to systems or other documentation that contains HIPAA data. Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a background check.

If you have any questions, please contact: Taylor Dahlberg taylor.dahlberg@hennepin.us