Deputy General Counsel

Working Title: Deputy General Counsel
Job Class: General Counsel 2
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 90081
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/06/2025
• Closing Date: 11/26/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Manager
• Division/Unit: DHS - Central Office / OPR Legal Management Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $ $79.99 / hourly; $116,593 - $167,019 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.***

As Deputy General Counsel, you will provide legal advice and manage a team of attorneys who provide legal advice to Department managers, directors and executive management on a variety of complex legal issues, with particular focus on legal issues affecting or involving the Health Care, Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health, and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services administrations (Supported Administrations). You will also assist the General Counsel in coordinating and supervising the Department's legal work and coordinate with the Attorney General's Office ("AGO") on the preparation and conduct of the Department's litigation.

Additional responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Provide advice to Department staff regarding the implementation of, and compliance with, Department-wide policies.
• Provide legal training on a variety of topics to Department staff.
• Provide back-up to the General Counsel and other Deputy General Counsels, in case of their absence.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**
• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school;
• Current license to practice law in the State of MN;
• At least eight (8) years' experience practicing law in an area of law related to the position;
• Knowledge and experience with state and federal data privacy laws as they relate to human services programs;
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Experience must also include:

• At least three (3) years' experience as a manager [managing attorney];
• Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and advising skills;
• Providing legal advice to executive level leadership on complex legal issues with a broad impact;
• Supervision of legal staff including mentoring and fostering professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with Medicaid laws and policies.
• Experience working with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and/or other state government agencies.
• Tribal law experience.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

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 or email For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Andrew F Johnson at

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexander Duren at

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services' ADA Coordinator at or for assistance.

About Human Services Dept
WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 )

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 or email and let us know the support you need.