Childrens Justice Initiative Program Staff Attorney

DESCRIPTION:

Expand your legal career and utilize your experience in the child protection system as the Children’s Justice Initiative Staff Attorney! 

The Children’s Justice Initiative (CJI) Staff Attorney works with the CJI state program team, CJI lead judges, and the local county CJI teams to collaborate on research, training, and education to ensure effective court proceedings and to promote the wellbeing of children in the state of Minnesota.

 The mission of CJI is to improve outcomes for children who have experienced abuse or neglect by collaborating with court partners to strengthen legal representation and hearing quality, enhance engagement of families in court proceedings, and effectively promote child safety and well-being.  

JOB DUTIES:

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Review, study, research, and annotate laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and related legal authorities related to the state child protection system and CHIPS cases. 
• Respond to legal inquiries from external stakeholders; consult with the legal counsel division within the State Court Administrator’s office to respond to internal stakeholders. 
• Prepare for and respond to the federal Child and Family Services and Title IV-E audits in collaboration with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. 
• Provide project management, including coordinating and/or leading pilot projects, for the court improvement program led by the branch; assist in project evaluations.
• Develop tools, such as templates for CHIPS orders, guidelines, and training for use by internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal and state statutes and rules, in collaboration with the CJI state program team. 
• Conduct outreach to CJI Lead Judges, CJI Local Teams, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the Minnesota Department of Human Services and other stakeholders within the child protection system. 

QUALIFACTIONS:

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Law degree from an accredited college or university
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota, with active status and in good standing.
• 5-7 years of experience in the child protection system, with at least three years of experience with child protection legal work. 

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of laws, court rules, and sources of legal reference. 
• Extensive knowledge of juvenile law, specifically child protection and permanency legal proceedings.
• Knowledge of court practices and procedures. 
• Ability to research complex legal problems and apply legal principles and logical thinking to individual cases, problems, and research, and to apply the law practically.
• Knowledge of project planning, implementation, and evaluation techniques.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people including judges, court staff, and justice partners.  
• Ability to support, lead, and advise task forces, workgroups, and committees.
• Ability to assist in the implementation of the judicial branch strategic plan.
• Ability to work well with others in a setting of shared responsibility. 
• Skill in handling multiple competing tasks and priorities

SALARY: The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $43.29 - $55.17 per hour ($90,390 - $115,195 annually). The Full Salary Range for this position is $43.29 - $67.04 ($90,390 - $139,980 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Position Logistics: 

This Full-time, permanent position is classified as an Attorney. This is a hybrid work environment, with work being performed on-site at the Minnesota Judicial Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, 4-6 days per month. This minimum may increase based on work needs. As some work may be performed remotely, access to reliable internet connection is required. This position will also travel in-state 4-6 times per year, to meet with local teams, provide training, and attend conferences. 

It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that no Minnesota state court employee shall engage in the practice of law, outside of court employment, except as otherwise provided within the policy.

To Apply: Complete and submit your online application with cover letter and resume attached by May 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of our background check processes.

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