Associate General Counsel

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.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

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.

• 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 government entity
• Internal Investigations – including employment and protected class matters
• Public Contracts and Procurement – public contracts for goods and services, public construction contracts involving state and federal financing/grant and loan funds, intergovernmental agreements, and disadvantaged business programs
• Comprehensive Planning and Land Use – local comprehensive plans, metropolitan system and policy plans, regional grant and loan programs
• Technology Law – data security, artificial intelligence, data preservation and collection
• Environmental Law – knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to air and water, and environmental review processes
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

Knowledge of:

• Civil and governmental law (including data practices and open meeting law; public purpose doctrine; government real estate; contract law; environmental law; construction law; procurement law; and federal, state and local administrative law).
• Other governmental agencies' procedures at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Laws, rules and regulations that govern or affect the Council and its operations.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, and explain the relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to courts, lawyers, and nonlawyers.
• Plan, organize, and perform work effectively, independently, and in a timely manner.
• Prepare and represent the Council or oversee outside counsel in civil litigation and administrative law hearings.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain collaborative, cooperative, and effective working relationships with others.
• Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural diversity among all employees.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement. 
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!