Municipal Associate Attorney — Civil & Prosecution; MN

Join to apply for the Municipal Associate Attorney — Civil & Prosecution (Large MN City) role at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Location: Apple Valley, MN (serving multiple south‑metro municipalities)

Job Type: Full‑time, exempt

Practice Areas: General Municipal, Civil (land use/zoning, contracts, data/open meetings), Criminal Prosecution (misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor/ordinance)

Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. provides comprehensive legal counsel to cities, townships, and special districts, including general civil representation and prosecution services. Our team partners with several south‑metro municipalities on day‑to‑day governance and courtroom advocacy.

We’re hiring a municipal associate to support civil advisory work and prosecution for a large Minnesota municipality (and other municipal clients). The role blends courtroom time with advisory and drafting work, offering immediate, meaningful responsibility alongside experienced mentors.

• Advise staff, administrators, and councils on land use, planning & zoning, contracts, licensing, procurement, constitutional issues, and employment questions.
• Draft/review ordinances, resolutions, development agreements, RFPs/RFQs, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Counsel on Minnesota Open Meeting Law and Minnesota Government Data Practices Act compliance.
• Support assessment appeals, eminent domain, and other municipal litigation.

• Handle arraignments, pretrials, motions, and trials for misdemeanor/gross–misdemeanor and ordinance matters.
• Manage discovery, plea negotiations, victim/witness communications, and trial preparation.

• 3–5+ years of relevant experience (municipal civil, prosecution, or closely related).
• Courtroom experience and strong written advocacy.
• Some working knowledge of land use, public law, and Minnesota criminal procedure.
• Practical, solution‑oriented counseling style and calm under pressure.
• Active Minnesota bar license (in good standing) and valid driver’s license for occasional travel to city halls/courthouses.

• Planning & zoning hearing experience; drafting staff reports or council memos.
• Experience with OML/Data Practices investigations and training.
• Prior service as a city/township prosecutor or public‑sector attorney.

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Full benefits, CLE/bar dues covered, training/mentorship, and growth path.
• Meaningful courtroom and council exposure with a supportive team.
• Free parking; south‑metro convenience.

• Resume
• Brief cover letter highlighting municipal and prosecution experience
• 1 writing sample (e.g., prosecution motion, memo, or municipal advisory document; de‑identified)

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Legal

Law Practice