Assistant Public Defender

City of Santa Fe Springs; Grand Rapids (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement Savings

11 paid holidays

2 Floating holidays

Vacation and sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Student Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Board of Public Defense in Minnesota seeks an experienced TT Attorney to advance major cases involving forensic science, complex criminal matters, and statewide issue development. You will analyze evidence, craft strategy, and present findings in court with professional colleagues and experts.

The position requires travel, strong research, trial experience, and the ability to collaborate with prosecutors, judges, and forensic science professionals across the state.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of Minnesota.
• Five or more years of experience litigating cases; trial experience; a demonstrated history of handling cases involving forensic science.

Responsibilities

• Litigate cases with trial experience and manage complex criminal matters.
• Investigate and litigate forensic science issues.
• Present evidence and arguments effectively in court and in writing.
• Coordinate with prosecutors, judges, referees, and forensic science professionals.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Rules of Evidence

Court presentation

Legal analysis

Document analysis

Facts organization

Professional relationships

Forensic science in court

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) & Minnesota Bar Admission

Job description

The mission of the Trial Team (TT) is to improve the quality of representation in major cases through representation, advice, consultation, brainstorming, co-counsel, impact litigation and training.

Application Requirements

Definition/Summary of Duties

Case Priorities Of The TT Include

• Cases with Forensic Issues: includes DNA, arson, mental illness, etc.
• Child Deaths and other medical examiner cases
• Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases (particularly where children are involved)
• White Collar Crime
• Statewide issue development (ie. DANCO, Source Code, McNeely)
• Cases with potential constitutional issues.

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.
• Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data
• Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.
• 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.
• An understanding of the scientific method; a demonstrated interested in and experience with handling forensic science issues in court; contacts in the forensic science community to access as a resource in evaluating cases.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or the ability to become admitted to the Bar of the State of Minnesota;
• Five or more years of experience litigating cases; trial experience; a demonstrated history of handling cases involving forensic science; experience investigating and litigating forensic science issues.

Confidentiality Statement: Employees of the Board of Public Defense may not reveal information relating to the representation of a client without approval of the attorney of record.

This position requires a lot of travel, no requirement as to where the TT Attorney lives and a long-term commitment.

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