Chief Public Defender - District Leadership & Strategy

COPAA; Anoka, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

COPAA seeks the Chief District Public Defender in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District. The Chief administers public defender services for Anoka and surrounding counties, supervising 137 staff including 90 attorneys, and oversees a district that handles about 19,000 cases per year with an $18 million budget.

The position requires Minnesota Bar admission and at least five years of criminal-law practice, plus prior administrative experience.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Bar of Minnesota.
• Five years’ experience as a practicing attorney in criminal law; prior administrative experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and administers district employees and offices;
• Hiring, disciplining or termination of employees under supervision;
• Evaluates the work of attorneys and support personnel;
• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning the District Public Defender Office;
• Responds to complaints from clients and resolves them;
• Assigns cases to insure even workload distribution;
• Works to resolve court scheduling issues and conflict assignments;
• Interviews, trains, mentors and evaluates assigned employees;
• Maintains liaison with court administration, judges and other court personnel;
• Coordinates with other Chief District Public Defenders and State Public Defender on policy issues.

Skills

Public speaking

Media relations

Government management

Job description

COPAA seeks the Chief District Public Defender in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District. The Chief administers public defender services for Anoka and surrounding counties, supervising 137 staff including 90 attorneys, and oversees a district that handles about 19,000 cases per year with an $18 million budget.

The position requires Minnesota Bar admission and at least five years of criminal-law practice, plus prior administrative experience.