Job DescriptionDESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Supreme Court seeks an Assistant Commissioner with substantial experience in criminal and appellate law to join the Supreme Court Commissioner's Office. The Commissioner's Office serves as legal counsel to the supreme court and is responsible for providing legal research and recommendations regarding the dispositions in a wide variety of cases at both the petition for review stage and on the merits. In addition, the Commissioner's Office assists the court in its disposition of petitions for review, orders on motions, calendaring of cases, and finalization of opinions. The Commissioner's Office also provides counsel to the court on administrative issues, including the promulgation of court rules for the judicial branch.
While this Assistant Commissioner position will focus primarily on criminal law, along with civil commitment, the Commissioner's Office aids the court in the full range of cases on its docket. Petitions for review are filed in both criminal and civil matters, although the Assistant Commissioner in this position will work almost exclusively on those that are criminal related. In addition, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction for appeals from the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals and Tax Court, as well as in attorney discipline matters and certain election-related cases. Substantive experience in a variety of litigation areas is valuable, and substantial appellate experience is preferred.
This Assistant Commissioner position requires substantial familiarity with the state and federal constitutions, along with state criminal law and rules of procedure; excellent research and writing skills; an ability to objectively evaluate the merits of the issues presented by a case; and an ability to manage multiple priorities within a high-volume workload. Work assignments are carried out with a substantial degree of discretion and independent judgment within the framework of laws and the court's policies.
EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position.
- Conduct legal research based on issues presented by petitions, motions, and arguments in criminal matters, along with civil commitment cases, and provide recommendations and advice regarding case dispositions.
- Work with and advise law clerks on case analysis and disposition.
- Confer with and advise justices concerning legal issues and other matters that arise in the processing of cases.
- Review and maintain familiarity with current and developing issues in criminal cases in Minnesota state and federal courts.
- Participate in rules committee meetings and provide recommendations and advise on rules amendments.
- Assist as needed in the court's administrative work, including training and mentoring of law clerks.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of a law degree from an accredited college or university.
- Substantial experience as a licensed attorney with a minimum of 5 years' experience, including experience in criminal law and appeals.
- Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Minnesota.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Appellate clerkship experience.
- Civil commitment experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Outstanding legal research, analysis, writing, and oral communication skills required (applicants are required to submit a legal writing sample with their application materials).
- Thorough knowledge of substantive and procedural criminal law.
- Thorough knowledge of trial and appellate court procedures and rules of evidence.
- Ability to work independently and productively with a high degree of accuracy and a high volume of cases.
- Ability to work effectively with judges, court staff, administrative staff, and the public.
SALARY: The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $50.48 - $64.35 per hour ($105,402- $134,363 annually). The full salary range for this position is $50.48 - $78.21per hour ($105,402 - $163,302 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:Position Logistics:
The position is classified as an Appellate Courts Attorney and will work predominantly normal business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, or 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday and allows for a hybrid work environment. This work will be conducted in an office setting at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, and permits remote work on two designated days per week.
TO APPLY: Complete and submit your online application with a resume, cover letter and legal writing sample attached by July 12th, 2026, at 11:59pm. Employment offers may be rescinded if the required criminal background check identifies job related convictions.
