Assistant Public Defender/Attorney

Minnesota Department of Revenue; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated part-time attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in criminal and juvenile cases. This role involves preparing defense cases, conducting client interviews, and representing clients in court proceedings. You'll engage in negotiations with county attorneys and collaborate with various professionals to ensure effective defense strategies. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in criminal law, excellent legal research skills, and the ability to maintain professional relationships. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while potentially establishing a private practice.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of criminal law and procedures is essential.
• Ability to analyze legal documents and maintain effective relationships.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for defense in criminal and juvenile courts.
• Represents clients in court and negotiates plea agreements.
• Conducts legal research and oversees drafting of legal documents.

Skills

Criminal Law Knowledge

Legal Research Skills

Judicial Procedures Knowledge

Effective Presentation Skills

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Basic Computer Skills

Education

Graduation from an accredited college of law

Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota

Tools

Personal Computers

Email

Internet Access

Job description

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.

Part-time attorneys are able to establish a private practice.

Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

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.

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.

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.

An office that utilizes personal computers and has email and access to the Internet.

Education:

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.

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