District Chief Public Defender — Lead & Defend Justice

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of CT; Anoka, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office seeks a Chief Public Defender to lead the district’s public defender services, with responsibility for administration, budgeting, and client advocacy in Anoka County and surrounding areas.

The role oversees 137 staff including 90 attorneys, with a four-year term and oversight of multiple satellite offices. Requires Minnesota Bar admission and 5+ years in criminal law, plus prior administrative experience.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Minnesota Bar and 5 years’ criminal law experience.
• Prior administrative experience.
• Strong interpersonal and public communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise district employees and offices.
• Hire, discipline or terminate employees under supervision.
• Evaluate attorneys and support staff.
• Respond to public inquiries about office activities.
• Address complaints from clients and resolve them.
• Assign cases to balance workload.
• Resolve court scheduling issues and conflicts.
• Interview, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Maintain liaison with court administration and judges.
• Undertake related duties as required by the Board of Public Defense or State Public Defender.
• Coordinate with other Chief District Public Defenders and State Public Defender on policy issues.

Skills

Supervising attorneys

Public speaking

Program management

Education

Bar admission MN

Job description

The Tenth Judicial District Public Defender Office seeks a Chief Public Defender to lead the district’s public defender services, with responsibility for administration, budgeting, and client advocacy in Anoka County and surrounding areas.

The role oversees 137 staff including 90 attorneys, with a four-year term and oversight of multiple satellite offices. Requires Minnesota Bar admission and 5+ years in criminal law, plus prior administrative experience.