Municipal Law Associate Attorney

A law firm seeks a dedicated Associate Attorney to join a Municipal Law practice group. This position is ideal for an attorney passionate about working with public sector clients and handling a wide array of legal issues faced by municipalities. The attorney will be part of a collaborative team that provides general counsel representation to cities, counties, school districts, and other public organizations. The role will involve working closely with local government officials, attending council meetings, and contributing to various municipal legal matters.

Duties:

• General Counsel Support:
  • Provide general legal counsel to municipalities on various issues, including ordinance enforcement, zoning regulations, and employment law matters.
  • Draft local ordinances, resolutions, and agreements in collaboration with government officials.
• Legal Research & Compliance:
  • Advise clients on municipal law issues such as Open Meeting laws, data practices regulations, real estate matters, and eminent domain.
  • Research legal precedents and statutes to ensure compliance and inform municipal policy decisions.
• Client Interaction & Collaboration:
  • Work closely with local government officials and municipal clients to understand their legal needs and offer proactive legal solutions.
  • Attend and assist with evening council meetings as needed.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
  • Assist in handling litigation matters related to municipal law, including zoning, public finance, and employment disputes.
  • Collaborate with other attorneys to resolve complex legal matters and provide strategic counsel.

Requirements:

• 0 to 5 years of legal experience, preferably with an interest or background in public sector or municipal law.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate legal issues and solutions.
• Comfortable attending evening meetings and working with local government officials.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with attention to detail and organizational skills.

Education:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction.

Skills:

• Municipal Law Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with municipal law, public finance, and government operations.
• Legal Writing & Drafting:
  • Proficient in drafting ordinances, resolutions, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Client Relations & Communication:
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with government officials and provide effective legal counsel.
• Time Management & Organizational Skills:
  • Ability to manage caseloads efficiently, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Collaboration:
  • Comfortable working in a team environment, with an ability to collaborate with colleagues on complex legal matters.

Benefits:

• Employer-paid health insurance coverage.
• Employer-paid family dental coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Transportation stipend.
• Employer-paid 401(k) contribution.
• Generous vacation time and sick leave policies.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of municipal clients, addressing important legal matters that impact local communities.

This law firm provides general and special counsel to local governments in Minnesota. Its core practice areas include local government law, municipal law, township law, employment and labor law, eminent domain, economic development and redevelopment, and municipal bonds. It is one of the top four municipal law firms in the state by dollar volume of government issued bonds. Its offices are located in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Saint Cloud, Minnesota.