Assistant Public Defender - Indigent Defense

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Chaska (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense is seeking attorneys to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and juveniles alleged to be delinquent in juvenile court under general supervision.

Responsibilities include preparing cases for defense, interviewing clients and witnesses, conducting legal research, representing clients in arraignments and trials, and coordinating with prosecutors, social workers, judges and referees to reach appropriate plea agreements and

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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare 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.

Skills

Legal research

Case analysis

Legal writing

Court presentation

Education

Bar admission in Minnesota

Law degree (J.D.)

Student Practice Rule eligibility

Job description

The State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense is seeking attorneys to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and juveniles alleged to be delinquent in juvenile court under general supervision.

Responsibilities include preparing cases for defense, interviewing clients and witnesses, conducting legal research, representing clients in arraignments and trials, and coordinating with prosecutors, social workers, judges and referees to reach appropriate plea agreements and