Staff Attorney 3-Associate General Counsel

Working Title: Associate General Counsel

Job Class: Staff Attorney 3

Agency: Public Utilities Commission

• Job ID : 98268

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes; see note

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 11/09/2026

• Closing Date : 11/30/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Utilities Comm-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Public Utilities Commission / Legal Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $43.69 - $64.80 / hourly; $91,224 - $135,302 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is guiding the state through important changes in the energy and telecommunications sectors which have substantial impacts on the daily lives of Minnesotans. The Commission is hiring an Associate General Counsel to join in this mission-driven work. This is a new position that will report to the Deputy General Counsel and will coordinate with all units of the agency on an exciting portfolio of assignments.

The Associate General Counsel will be responsible for reviewing incoming filings in regulatory and permitting dockets, monitoring emerging and developing legal issues, and coordinating between the legal unit, assigned assistant attorneys general, and other units of the agency to ensure delivery of effective, timely legal advice consistent with Commission goals and priorities.

The Associate General Counsel will serve as the Commission’s lead advisor on internal appeals of utility-customer complaints that have been filed with the Commission’s Consumer Affair’s Office and appealed for full-Commission review. In resolving consumer appeals, the position holder will work closely with Commissioners on consumer-focused policy development and implementation. The selected candidate will also have opportunities to help refine the Commission’s consumer appeal procedures to ensure effective implementation of this developing program.

Additionally, the Associate General Counsel will provide legal advice to Commissioners and staff regarding issues in regulatory and permitting dockets as well as agency operations, and will support the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in processing and responding to requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Important: A writing sample is a requirement to be considered for this position. Please submit your writing sample before the closing date of this position to: [email protected]

Please Note: This career opportunity is based at the Commission offices in St. Paul, Minnesota and is not available for full-time remote work. This position will require you to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month (including travel and off-site meetings).

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

• JD degree from an ABA accredited law school and current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota, or the ability to become licensed in Minnesota within six months of hire.¿

• Four years’ experience as a practicing lawyer (which may include judicial clerkships), including one year of experience as a government attorney or otherwise practicing in the areas of administrative law, energy law, environmental law, telecommunications law, or government operations.

• Experience providing legal advice to clients and conducting legal research and analysis, including interpreting statutes, rules and case law.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview:

• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and to work across units in cross-functional teams.

• Ability to establish and maintain respectful and collaborative working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Minnesota utility regulation, energy facility permitting, or environmental review.

• Familiarity with Minnesota Public Utilities Commission rules and procedures.

• Experience in state government or with state government requirements and procedures.

• Familiarity with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

• Experience responding to public requests for government data and/or managing document review and production.

• Familiarity with the Minnesota Administrative Procedure Act, and laws and rules governing state government operations.

• Familiarity with consumer-facing services provided by government agencies.

• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.

Additional Requirements

Important: As noted above, a writing sample is a requirement to be considered for the position. You must submit your writing sample before the closing date to: [email protected]

This position also requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.