Counsel I

The office of Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis (SCRFA) is accepting applications for one counsel position to staff the areas of Higher Education, Local Government, and Veterans .

SCRFA is a nonpartisan office that serves all members of the Senate.  In this nonpartisan position, the successful candidate will be expected to remain free from political party affiliation, bias, or designation for the duration of the appointment. The credibility and reputation of this office depend on maintaining its nonpartisan status.

The Minnesota Senate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Minnesota Senate is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful workplace for our employees.

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Salary : The full starting salary range for this position is $ 78,976-136,671 with salary level within this range commensurate with experience .  The Minnesota Senate uses a comprehensive salary calculator to determine starting salary for new hires .  A salary premium is applied to the salary range minimum based upon how an applicant’s work experience aligns with the job responsibilities .  Future salary movements may occur based on Senate policy, tenure, and work performance.

Telework : This position works on-site in the Minnesota Senate Building and Minnesota Capitol during the legislative session. When the legislature is not in session, flexible hybrid options may be available.

Days of Work / Hours : Monday-Friday / 8am-5pm. This position requires long and irregular hours and the ability to meet tight deadlines during the legislative session (typically January through May), including evening and weekend work. Additional paid time off will be available.

Appointment Type : Full-time / Permanent

Status : Unclassified / At-will

Department : Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis

Reports to : Director of Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis

Closing Date : Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Resumes will be reviewed starting October 14, 2025.

Position Summary

This position provides non-partisan services to Senators and Senate staff. Senate counsel draft bills, amendments, memos, and bill summaries; perform legal and policy research; attend Senate committee hearings and floor sessions; meet with Senators, staff, agency staff, and lobbyists; identify options to achieve goals; and serve as a resource for answering questions. Senate counsel is not a policy-making position and does not advocate for or against policies. Each committee team will be comprised of the counsel and a fiscal analyst who will work closely together. For more information about the position, please read the position description here.

Minimum Qualifications :

A person applying for this position must :

Possess a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school .

Be authorized to practice law in Minnesota OR be authorized to practice law in another state and prior to appointment be able to demonstrate evidence of having applied for admission to practice law in Minnesota.

Ability to work in a non-partisan capacity, supporting all members and staff regardless of party affiliation or position.

Desired Skills and Experience :

Strong legal and policy research skills.

Effective oral, written, and presentation skills.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

Ability to identify issues, solve problems, and think creatively.

Experience with the legislative process or experience in a professional legal setting.

Desire to learn about the legislative process

Skills To Possess or Develop :

Counsel will need to possess or develop a variety of skills to successfully perform the role. SCRFA will assist the counsel to enhance and develop the following skills to be successful in the position :

Read, understand, and draft legislation and other legislative documents.

Develop relevant subject matter expertise .

Develop a thorough knowledge of the legislative process.

Work effectively under tight deadlines and long hours.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with legislators, partisan and nonpartisan legislative staff, state agency staff, and others.

Benefits :

This position is full-time and eligible for a variety of state benefits and insurance.  Read more  here.   These benefits include insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, and others), paid sick and vacation leave, paid parental leave, eleven paid holidays, and two floating holidays.  SCRFA also offers training and professional development opportunities.

Application Documents

To ensure consideration, please submit a resume, cover letter, and references (one of whom was your supervisor or manager) within the application.

An Equal Opportunity / ADA Employer