Attorney I​/II​/III​/IV; Criminal

Overview

Posting Type: Open Competitive
Department: County Attorney
Hours: Full-time
Location: Hastings
Union: Attorney Employee's Association
Close Date: Monday, January 26, 2026, at 4:30 pm
Salary Range: The position level at which the offer is extended is based on the candidate's ability to meet the minimum qualifications and the candidates' relevant years of experience. Attorney I: $92,218 - $144,090;
Attorney II: $103,284 - $161,381;
Attorney III & IV: $115,678 - $180,748

• Attorneys at Dakota County are assigned to handle the prosecution of criminal cases; or to provide civil legal services to Dakota County departments and provide legal representation to and on behalf of Dakota County; and other responsibilities as determined by the County Attorney.
• Under minimal supervision, the Attorney I/II/III performs work of varied and basic or routine difficulty in criminal or civil law.
• Our current vacancy is within the Criminal Division of the County Attorney's Office.
• Provide advice to law enforcement personnel, child protection workers, adult protection workers, and others regarding their legal authority, responsibilities, and potential liabilities associated with the investigation of criminal activity.
• Review investigative reports pertaining to criminal activity to determine the appropriateness of a criminal prosecution.
• Comply with Dakota County Attorney charging and disposition guidelines for the charging and resolution of matters referred to the office for prosecution.
• Draft complaints, petitions, warrants, motions, memoranda, findings, orders, stipulations, appellate briefs, and post-conviction memoranda in support of an investigation of criminal activity and related prosecution(s).
• Prepare assigned cases for contested hearings, trials or appellate arguments.
• Meet with victims and/or witnesses of criminal activity for the purposes of explaining law, court rules, court procedures, evidentiary rules, and case dispositions.
• Represent the State of Minnesota and Dakota County in various state and federal courts at pretrial, trial, sentencing, appellate hearings, and post-conviction proceedings related to the prosecution of criminal activity.
• Provide training for law enforcement agencies, social workers and others regarding applicable developments in the law.
• Attend staff meetings and other required meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Criminal Division Head, Assistant Criminal Division Head, Chief Deputy, or County Attorney.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1 - 10 are essential functions.

• Basic knowledge of constitutional, statutory and case law.
• Basic knowledge of court rules.
• Basic knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Basic knowledge of Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Ability to analyze facts in light of applicable law.
• Ability to plan, organize and present a case.

Work is performed within a County office building. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to computer, laptop, projector, printer, scanner, telephone, and copy and fax machine.

Currently this is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Judicial Center in Hastings, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday per calendar year.
• Pension with a generous employer contribution.
• Ability to work from home some of the time.

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions.
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications.
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring.