District Chief Public Defender — Lead Public Defense

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fifth Judicial District Chief Public Defender in Minnesota oversees the administration of public defender services for 15 counties, supervising a staff of 56 including 38 attorneys. The role provides lead oversight for 6,500 annual cases with an $8.4 million district budget, with offices in Mankato and satellite locations.

Appointees serve four-year terms and must be admitted to the Minnesota Bar with substantial criminal-law experience and prior administrative leadership.

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 employees under supervision.
• Coordinate with court administration and judges.
• Manage workload distribution and case assignments.

Skills

Public speaking

Media relations

Public defense management

Education

Bar admission

Job description

The Fifth Judicial District Chief Public Defender in Minnesota oversees the administration of public defender services for 15 counties, supervising a staff of 56 including 38 attorneys. The role provides lead oversight for 6,500 annual cases with an $8.4 million district budget, with offices in Mankato and satellite locations.

Appointees serve four-year terms and must be admitted to the Minnesota Bar with substantial criminal-law experience and prior administrative leadership.