Job opportunity: County Attorney

Olmsted County government is a county with approximately 1,400 employees allocated across 21 departments and offices. Olmsted County takes pride in being a great place to live, learn, work, and play. We are looking for a strategic leader who is eager to make a difference in an innovative, growing county.

The selected candidate will lead an experienced and strategic County Attorney’s Office of over 50 employees. This office promotes justice and public safety by zealous yet discretionary prosecution balancing the rights of individuals and the paramount needs of society. County Attorneys that make up the office are responsible for the prosecution of all felony crimes committed in the respective County as well as lesser crimes in the townships. The areas of prosecution are criminal, civil, juvenile, and child support.

The County Attorney serves as the legal advisor for the county board and departments and represents the county in all civil litigation. The position works alongside a seven-member board of commissioners, an appointed county administrator, executive management team, and other elected officials, including the Olmsted County Sheriff.

This is an elected position. The selected candidate will be temporarily appointed for the remainder of the current term ending January 4, 2027.

About the Olmsted County Attorney's Office 

As established by Minnesota Statute 388, there shall be elected in each county a County Attorney. The three main divisions within the County Attorney’s Office are: Criminal, Civil, and the Child Support Division.

Criminal – The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony crimes which occur within the county. Examples of these crimes include murder, sexual assault, drug offenses, serious property offenses, and child abuse. Additionally, the Office is responsible for the prosecution of crimes that occur outside the incorporated areas as well as in those cities for which the office holds prosecution contracts.

Civil – The County Attorney is the legal advisor for the County Board of Commissioners, and all county departments. These duties include giving advice and developing departmental policies, buying property, negotiating leases and contracts, and in defending other lawsuits brought in state and federal court. The Office files adult protection actions and starts legal proceedings to protect the health and safety of vulnerable adults and files child protection actions to protect abused or neglected children.

Child Support – The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office Child Support Division provides legal services for the Olmsted County Child Support and Recovery Unit, the public authority for child support in Olmsted County. These legal services include paternity establishment actions, actions brought for reimbursement of public assistance, and actions brought to establish, modify or enforce a child support order.

Nature of work

Serves as legal counsel for Olmsted County. Performs complex work advising the county board and departments on county operations, policies, and regulations to comply with state and federal laws. Makes recommendations involving civil litigations, land use, zoning disputes, criminal prosecutions, and child protection. Conducts legal research, interprets state and federal laws, drafts contracts, and negotiates settlements. Leverages the strengths of team members, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and develops employees to reach optimal goals. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of work:

• Leads individuals and teams, builds and maintains engagement, and nurtures a culture of growth to promote a work environment where every employee can reach their full potential.
• Recommends hiring, promotions, and assignments for team members, and provides regular and timely feedback. Manages employee performance, documentation, and disciplinary actions.
• Represents the county government in legal matters, including civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
• Provides legal advice and guidance to county officials and departments on contracts, ordinances, and policies.
• Oversees complex legal research. Directs the preparation of legal briefs, resolutions, agreements, contracts, and opinions and acts in an advisory capacity to county departments, officials, commissioners, and boards.
• Investigates potential legal issues and recommends courses of action to the county government.
• Defends the county in lawsuits. Prosecutes individuals or entities that violate county laws.
• Works with law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute crimes committed within the county.
• Negotiates settlements and plea agreements on behalf of the county.

Minimum qualifications

Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota
 

Salary range

$174,153 - $217,692

To apply

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to:
Talentmanagement@olmstedcounty.gov

Contact Olmsted County Human Resources with any questions:
507-328-7700
humanresources@olmstedcounty.gov