Associate General Counsel

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Office of General Counsel provides legal representation, guidance, analysis, and services to the Council, its Chair, members and committees, the Regional Administrator, and staff; protects the legal rights of the Council and assists in achieving its objectives; helps develop and implement Council policies; and helps the Council fulfill its responsibilities within applicable legal, auditing, and jurisdictional authorities.

Associate General Counsel generally works in litigation and advising in the following substantive areas: data practices, employment law, comprehensive planning and land use, intergovernmental contracting, public contracts and procurement, construction law, open meeting law, environmental law, and real property law. This particular position will be focused on advising on the Council's policies and procedures, the Council's responsibilities under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, and internal investigations by the Council, including those involving protected class status.

These primary work areas may change depending on the needs of the Council.

Note: This position is eligible for a hybrid (remote up to two days per week) telework arrangement after the six‑month probationary period. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Provide verbal and written legal advice to the Council, its Chair and members, the Regional Administrator, and other Council management and staff on a wide variety of topics.
• Provide advice to the Council's Data Practices Office regarding the Council's obligations under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Draft, review, and provide advice on Council policies and procedures.
• Advise the Council regarding internal investigations, including those involving employment and protected class status.
• Draft, review, or provide advice on Council contracts, grants, loans, leases, intergovernmental agreements and amendments, and provide advice on relevant contracting laws and procedures, negotiating positions, and legal compliance.
• Represent the Council, or manage outside counsel, in state and federal litigation, administrative hearings, and arbitrations in various matters including but not limited to comprehensive planning, construction, real property, employment, civil rights, and environmental.
• Draft legislation and legislative amendments and monitor legislative activities affecting the Council and its operations.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on federal, state, and local law that affects Council policies, programs, and operations.

A JD degree from a law school and seven or more years of recent experience in the practice of law.

Licensing Requirement

Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and in good standing. Also, valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications)

Current admission to practice in the Federal District Court of Minnesota. Preference given to those with substantive and litigation experience in Minnesota in a governmental setting or representing governmental entities with concentration in one or more of the following areas within the last 10 years:

• Legal research and writing in a variety of subject areas
• Data Privacy of Government Data – including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
• Public Sector Representation – including open meeting law, public purpose doctrine, ethics, immunities and tort caps, condemnation, and other areas
• Policies and Procedures – drafting, reviewing, and advising on policies and procedures, preferably for a…