Assistant Public Defender

City of Santa Fe Springs; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Parental Leave

Retirement Savings

Holidays and leave

Job summary

City of Santa Fe Springs seeks a licensed attorney to provide legal services for indigent defendants charged in district court and juveniles alleged delinquent in juvenile court. The role includes case preparation, client interviews, and aggressive advocacy in court, with collaboration among social workers, probation officers, and judges.

The ideal candidate has a law degree and Minnesota Bar admission, with strong research, analytical, and advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or completion under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
• If using Student Practice Rule, must pass the bar on first attempt.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for defense of indigent defendants charged in district court and juveniles in juvenile court.
• Interview clients and prospective witnesses; draft briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers.
• Conduct legal research and represent clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, and related proceedings.
• Advise on bail, release, and competency issues; determine need for expert witnesses and coordinate with experts.
• Consult with social workers, probation officers, judges, and referees to determine suitable treatment programs as part of defense strategy.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Legal research skills

Judicial procedures knowledge

Pleading and presentation

Education

Law degree; bar admission MN

Job description

Application Requirements

Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in providing legal services to indigent defendants who have been charged with criminal offenses in district court, and to juveniles who are alleged to be delinquent in the juvenile court.

Definition/Summary of Duties

Examples Of Duties

• Prepares cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in district courts; in dependency, neglect or delinquency petitions in juvenile court;
• Interviews clients and prospective witnesses; prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers;
• Conducts or directs legal research;
• Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions and other proceedings; interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial;
• Determines need for expert witnesses; locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed; negotiates with County and City Attorneys to reach plea agreements;
• Consults with social workers, probation officers, judges and referees in order to determine appropriate treatment programs for clients as a part of defense strategy; advises and directs work of law clerks;
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure
• Good knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research and investigation
• Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence
• Good knowledge of the pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.

Skills:

• Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data
• Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.
• Basic computer skills.

Abilities

• Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments
• Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written or oral form
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, referees, and other professionals, as well as clients and the general public.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or a person who has graduated from an accredited law school and is certified to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
  • Individuals hired under the Student Practice Rule must pass the bar on their first attempt.
  • Failure to pass the bar is grounds for dismissal.

Full Time Employee And Part Time Employee Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Single coverage as low as $38.50 a month
• Family coverage $262.66 a month
• Dental insurance
• Single coverage as low as $13.50 a month
• Family coverage $55.40 a month
• Basic Life insurance
• 6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)
• Retirement Savings
• 11 paid holidays
• 2 Floating holiday
• Vacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• These positions are eligibile for Student Loan Forgiveness

Optional Benefits

• Additional Life insurance for yourself, spouse and children
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Metro Pass
• Deferred Compensation plan
• Pre-tax expense accounts: dependent care account, medical and dental, transit expense

Application Questions

• 01 Name and Location of law school attended and date of graduation.
• 02 If you are a member of any other bar, please indicate jurisdiction(s) and date(s) of admission.
• 03 List any experience, law-related or otherwise, in which you have functioned as an advocate. Please include simulated e.g. moot court or trial practice.
• 04 What experience do you have working with a diverse community in either volunteer or paid positions? List organizations and job duties.
• 05 If you speak any languages other than English, please list.
• 06 What have you done in your life so far that demonstrates a commitment to public service?
• 07 Are you a member of the MN bar?
• 08 Describe your experience with interviewing another person to obtain information.
• 09 Are you a U.S. Citizen or authorized to be legally employed on an ongoing basis in the U.S. based on your Visa or immigration status?
  • Yes
  • No
• 10 Where did you learn about this job opportunity?
  • Neogov
  • State of Minnesota website
  • Friend/Colleague
  • College/Univeristy
  • Required Question