Staff Attorney, Resentencing Project

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Staff Attorney position for the Resentencing Project within the School of Law. This is a term assignment, and we anticipate the position will last until sometime between 12/19/25-1/31/26 depending on remaining budget and needs of the resentencing project.  

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

Salary Range: $69,180 to $86,480

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

This attorney will work on a team in collaboration with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) to screen possible cases for prosecutor-initiated resentencing (PIR) pursuant a new law in Minnesota. This statute allows prosecutors for good cause to petition the court to resentence an individual in order to decrease the amount of time they will spend in prison. With the passage of this law, HCAO expects a large group of applications will be made for PIR. University of St Thomas Law is undertaking a two-year project to assist HCAO in this process. In addition to this hire, the team will consist of one senior fulltime attorney who will be the direct supervisor over this position and a part-time administrator. The project will also involve UST law students who will be trained and supervised by both the project attorneys. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. In conjunction with supervisor, develop protocols, procedures and documents to ensure fair, thorough and efficient screening of cases and communication with applicants.
2. In conjunction with staff and law students, receive documentation from HCAO on each case and maintain it in a confidential and organized manner, and also request and gather other necessary documentation to make thorough and thoughtful recommendations to HCAO regarding case acceptance for PIR.
3. In conjunction with staff and law students, compile, summarize, analyze documents and prepare reports based on documents collected as well as possible interviews and investigations.
4. In conjunction with staff and law students, direct the work of investigators and law students to develop any additional information needed for thorough reports and recommendations regarding PIR. This may include interviews with applicants and other parties.
5. In conjunction with staff and law students, meet with staff at HCAO to present and discuss reports and recommendations.     
6. In conjunction with staff and law students, assist HCAO in drafting petitions for PIR.   
7. In conjunction with staff, supervise students and develop trainings and materials for them.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D.
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota
• 3+ years of experience in criminal law with some of that time devoted to felony cases

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directing and reviewing the work law students or student law clerks

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.