Chief Public Defender - Lead MN District Office

Careerwebsite; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Careerwebsite seeks the Fifth Judicial District Chief Public Defender to lead administrative operations for public defender services in 15 southwestern Minnesota counties from the Mankato office. The role oversees 56 staff, including 38 attorneys, and guides service delivery, budget decisions, and conflict resolution.

The position requires Minnesota bar admittance and significant criminal- law experience, with prior management responsibilities.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Supervise and administer district employees and offices.
• Hire, discipline or terminate staff under supervision.
• Supervise attorneys and support personnel and evaluate their work.
• Respond to inquiries from the public about the office and its activities.
• Allocate cases to ensure even workload distribution.
• Coordinate with court administration and other districts on policy issues.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Public defense management

Staff supervision

Public speaking

Media relations

Education

Bar admission Minnesota

Job description

Careerwebsite seeks the Fifth Judicial District Chief Public Defender to lead administrative operations for public defender services in 15 southwestern Minnesota counties from the Mankato office. The role oversees 56 staff, including 38 attorneys, and guides service delivery, budget decisions, and conflict resolution.

The position requires Minnesota bar admittance and significant criminal- law experience, with prior management responsibilities.