Assistant City Attorney – Civil Litigation

ABOUT THE ROLE The attorneys of the City Attorney’s Office serve as attorneys and counselors at law to the Mayor, City Council, boards, committees, departments, and officers. As exclusive representatives of the City, they are authorized to provide legal advice and opinions. This role provides professional legal services relating to a wide range of civil litigation matters for the City of Minneapolis and its various officials, boards, agencies, and departments. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Analyze pleadings to determine legal issues, immunities, and liabilities - Establish efficient research plans and conduct legal research using databases like Westlaw - Apply case law to facts in persuasive briefing to the court - Respond to discovery requests within time-sensitive timelines and manage the discovery process, including e-discovery tools - Direct investigative staff and review and analyze evidence (physical evidence, body-worn cameras, surveillance footage, 911 tapes, medical records, expert reports) - Evaluate and secure expert witnesses - Make recommendations to City staff and officials to minimize legal exposure, including settlement analysis - Attend and engage in negotiations at settlement conferences - Deliver persuasive oral arguments internally and externally to judges and juries - Prepare complex cases for presentation in court, including determining trial themes, identifying exhibits, and preparing witnesses - Represent the City in administrative, court, and jury trials - Research and draft briefs and present oral arguments for appeals at the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals - Manage an assigned caseload and coordinate schedules with all concerned parties MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school - Two or more years of relevant legal experience (may include legal on-the-job experience before bar admission and experience as a practicing attorney) - Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work - The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas - Must pass a full criminal background check (CJIS) and/or qualifications check - Must sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain criminal history and verify qualifications - Must complete 45 credits of continuing legal education courses every three years SELECTION PROCESS - Rating of relevant education and experience (100 percent) - Candidates must attain a passing score of 70 percent on each step to be placed on the eligible list - Eligible list expires three months after establishment - Hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview and may select based on uniquely related skills or experience HOW TO APPLY - Submit a completed City of Minneapolis online application - Submit a resume and cover letter (encouraged in addition to the online application) - Individuals selected to be interviewed may be asked to submit a sample of legal writing as part of the interview process EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Minneapolis - Address: 350 South 5th Street, Room 1, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415 - Department: Attorney - Division: Attorney Civil Division - Job Number: 2026-00319 - Job Type: Full-time - FLSA: Exempt - Bargaining Unit: CAT (AFSCME Attorneys) - Opening Date: 09/09/2026 - Closing Date: 9/29/2026 11:59 PM Central - The City of Minneapolis is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.