Chief District Public Defender: Strategic Leadership

Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks a Chief District Public Defender to administer district public defender services. The role oversees a large staff and 90 attorneys, with a four-year term and a district serving Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.

The office operates satellites in Buffalo, North Branch, and Stillwater. The Chief Public Defender will coordinate with state and district leadership, manage budgets, and ensure effective delivery of

Qualifications

• Admission to the Minnesota Bar is required.
• Minimum of five years as a practicing attorney in criminal law.
• Prior administrative experience is expected.

Responsibilities

• Supervise district employees and offices.
• Hire, discipline or terminate employees under supervision.
• Evaluate the work of attorneys and support personnel.
• Respond to public inquiries about the office and staff.
• Address client complaints and resolve them.
• Assign cases to ensure even workload distribution.
• Resolve court scheduling issues and manage conflicts.
• Interview, train, mentor and evaluate staff.
• Maintain liaison with court administration and judges.
• Coordinate with other Chief District Public Defenders on policy issues.

Skills

Attorney supervision

Public speaking

Policy & administration

Budget management

Education

Admitted to Minnesota Bar

5+ years criminal law experience

Administrative experience

Job description

Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks a Chief District Public Defender to administer district public defender services. The role oversees a large staff and 90 attorneys, with a four-year term and a district serving Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.

The office operates satellites in Buffalo, North Branch, and Stillwater. The Chief Public Defender will coordinate with state and district leadership, manage budgets, and ensure effective delivery of