Court of Appeals Staff Attorney

DESCRIPTION:

The Minnesota Court of Appeals seeks a Staff Attorney (Appellate Courts Attorney) with substantial experience in appellate procedure and civil litigation. The Staff Attorney serves the court by providing substantive and procedural advice for judges and law clerks on appeals, petitions, and motions pending before the court. Depending on court needs and the candidate's experience, the assigned subject areas are expected to include civil appellate procedure (petitions, motions, jurisdiction) and various discrete substantive areas, e.g., data practices, expungement, forfeiture. The position requires a high degree of professional responsibility, very strong analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, commitment to high-quality work, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. The Staff Attorney interacts regularly with the chief judge and all judges of the court, serves at the pleasure of the judges of the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and reports to the chief staff attorney.

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:

The following are examples of major job duties the Staff Attorney is expected to perform:

• Provide specialized legal research, written analysis, and advice to judges and their law clerks to assist in deciding appeals, petitions, and motions in assigned subject areas.
• Present oral analysis of special-term petitions and motions, including emergency requests.
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned subject areas, including developments in Minnesota Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court caselaw.
• Prepare draft orders and draft opinions, as directed by judges or the chief staff attorney.
• Review and provide constructive feedback on draft opinions in assigned subject areas.
• Respond to inquiries from practicing attorneys, self-represented litigants, and branch partners.
• Assist with law clerk training.
• Present at CLEs or assist judges with preparation for CLEs relating to appellate practice and procedure.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Minnesota.
• 4-7 years of experience as a licensed attorney, including at least 3 years of experience in appellate or civil litigation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and oral communication skills required (applicants may be required to submit a legal writing sample).
• Considerable knowledge of appellate practice and procedure.
• Considerable knowledge of trial and appellate court rules.
• Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy and high volume of cases.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with judges, lawyers, court staff, and judicial branch partners.
• Ability to apply existing law objectively to the facts of a particular case.
• Skill in applying legal principles and logical thinking to individual cases and problems.
• Skill in presenting information and analysis clearly, both orally and in writing.

SALARY: The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $50.48 - $64.35 per hour ($105,402 - $134,363 annually). The full salary range for this position is $50.48 - $78.21 per hour ($105,402 - $163,302). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Position Logistics:

This full-time position is classified as an Appellate Courts Attorney and will work regular business hours, Monday-Friday. The court is located in the Minnesota Judicial Center on the state capitol complex in St. Paul, Minnesota. After an initial training period, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement as approved by the chief judge and chief staff attorney and in coordination with other staff attorneys.

TO APPLY: Complete and submit your online application with resume, cover letter, and at least 3 professional references, by Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. A writing sample (no more than 10 pages) may be requested later in the application process. Anticipated start in July 2026. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.