
Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the County Manager's Department.
To manage teams of contracted attorneys that are appointed by the court to defend persons involved in non-criminal court proceedings where the county is required to pay for defense counsel. This includes attorneys contracted by the county to represent parents in child protection court hearings and trials, and attorneys contracted by the county to represent clients in civil commitment proceedings. Responsible for managing all individual attorney contracts, including monitoring performance of attorneys and compliance with contract terms. Work with Courts staff and Deputy County Manager to make sure the County is meeting obligations under state law to provide defense as mandated by applicable state law. Responsible to manage recruitment and contracting steps necessary to maintain an adequate number of available attorneys for the Courts to appoint defense counsel to qualified individuals. Assist the Deputy County Manager with issues or initiatives that involve the Second Judicial District or other justice partners. This position will serve as counsel to clients in court proceedings, as needed or to cover complex cases and appeals; and perform related duties as assigned.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy (Download PDF reader).
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Definition of Unclassified from the Ramsey County Personnel Act:
Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan Simmons at Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us
Responsibilities
Examples of Work Performed
- Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
- Direct community outreach relationships and programs to attract and retain a diverse panel of attorneys.
- Ensure contracted attorneys and contracted staff are in compliance with contract terms. Monitor performance of contract attorneys through review of court filings, direct observation in the courtroom, and by soliciting feedback from judges and courts.
- Supervision of law clerks, paralegals, or other support staff that may be hired or contracted in support of the panel attorneys.
- Maintain schedules or rotation of contract attorneys to ensure adequate availability to support court calendar needs.
- Respond to questions and complaints from judges, clients, courts staff, or the public regarding services provided by panel attorneys.
- Work collaboratively with other partners in the child protection system to improve processes and outcomes, particularly in areas of harm reduction and race equity. Assist in maintaining a dashboard of child protection cases and outcomes.
- Serve as a resource and task force or committee participant for justice and wellness initiatives supported by the Safety and Justice Service Team
- Ensure contract attorneys maintain required certifications, licensure, minimum training requirements as needed to remain in compliance with state law and contract requirements.
- Provide updates and training to contract attorneys in changes to laws, regulations, or court procedures.
- Serve as counsel to clients in court proceedings as needed to fill gaps in contract attorney coverage, or to cover complex cases and appeals.
- Anticipate future needs for contract attorneys and maintain a plan for recruiting and training new panel attorneys, taking into consideration the need for a panel that has a good balance of relevant work experience, diversity and lived experience.
- Advise the Deputy County Manager on the number of panel attorneys required to support caseloads as well as resources and support needed to support the contract attorneys.
- Supervise the preparation of periodic reports and caseload analyses.
- Develop standards, contracts and policies necessary in the administration of the Adult Representation function.
- Review requests and expenditures for expert witnesses.
- Assist the Deputy County Manager in implementing, supervising, monitoring, and modifying the budget for Court Services.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited college of law.
Experience: Six years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Substitution: Legal experience in Child Welfare or Civil Commitment may substitute for up to three years of the practicing attorney experience. Certifications/Licensure: Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and completion of 45 credits of legal education every three years.
Certifications/Licensure: Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and completion of 45 credits of continuing legal education every three years.
Exam/Screening Process Information
This is an unclassified, at-will position, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will, position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.
Ramsey County
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota 55102
US