Unemployment Law Judge - Compensation Attorney

Job Details

Working Title: Unemployment Law Judge
Job Class: Compensation Attorney
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 94005
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework up to fifty (50) percent upon completion of approximately six (6) months of in-person training.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/06/2026
• Closing Date: 05/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Unemployment Insurance Legal Affairs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• End Date: Up to three (3) years
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Unemployment Law Judge will preside over and conduct de novo multi- and single- party unemployment insurance administrative evidentiary hearings, under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 268.

Substantive issues in hearings include eligibility for unemployment benefits under state and federal programs, the effect of benefits paid on employer taxes and reimbursing accounts, determination of the proper employer tax rate, eligibility for federal and state extensions and other programs, the effect of receipt of severance pay, workers' compensation benefits, retirement benefits, and other payments, and various other issues.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Writing and issuing findings of fact, reasons for decision, and conclusions of law and other orders or subpoenas as appropriate
• Issuing decisions on requests for reconsideration that are the department's final decision and are directly appealable to the Minnesota Court of Appeals
• Assisting with other duties as assigned

This position requires making decisions quickly and writing clear and well-reasoned decisions supported by the law within five (5) days of holding the hearing. The current caseload is approximately twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) hearings per week.

Upon completion of the in-person training period (approximately six (6) months), this position will be telework eligible and will occasionally be required to be on-site at the office in St. Paul. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This is a temporary unclassified appointment position anticipated to last up to three (3) years.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Graduate of an accredited law school and have a current active law license in good standing in the State of Minnesota.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience that demonstrates the skill set necessary to issue legal decisions that include the legal issues to be decided, the findings of fact, reasons for decision, and legal conclusion, within five (5) calendar days of holding the hearing.
• Ability to receive supervisory feedback and proactively incorporate into hearings and decisions.
• Ability to navigate the computer application system and draft own decisions.
• Ability to maintain an impartial judicial demeanor in all work settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in labor or employment law.
• Experience clerking for a state or federal judge.
• Experience representing clients in, or presiding over unemployment benefit hearings.
• Courtroom/trial experience including voir dire or direct or cross-examination of witnesses, deposition or arbitration experience, and experience as a mediator.
• Fluency in another language, especially Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Khmer, Russian, Lao, Vietnamese, or Karen.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Connect 700 Program

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

Veterans

To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

• Please apply via Self Service.
• If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Lynda Zigah at lynda.zigah@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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