District Chief Public Defender – Leadership & Strategy

NACBA; Anoka, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NACBA seeks the Chief District Public Defender to oversee public defender services for the Tenth Judicial District (Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, Wright). The role supervises 137 staff including 90 attorneys and reports to the State Public Defender.

Four-year term; district opens ~19,000 cases yearly with an $18 million budget. The Chief Public Defender coordinates with court personnel, policy offices, and other district leaders to maintain effective defense

Qualifications

• Admission to the Minnesota Bar is required.
• Five years’ experience as a practicing criminal law attorney.
• Prior administrative experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise district employees and offices.
• Hire, discipline or terminate employees under supervision.
• Evaluate the work of attorneys and support staff.
• Respond to public inquiries about the District Public Defender Office.
• Address client complaints and resolve issues.
• 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.
• Undertake duties as required by the Board of Public Defense or State Public Defender.
• Coordinate with other Chief District Public Defenders and State Office on policy issues.

Skills

Public defense management

Public speaking

Media relations

Governmental agency management

Team supervision

Stakeholder relations

Education

Minnesota Bar admission

Job description

NACBA seeks the Chief District Public Defender to oversee public defender services for the Tenth Judicial District (Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, Wright). The role supervises 137 staff including 90 attorneys and reports to the State Public Defender.

Four-year term; district opens ~19,000 cases yearly with an $18 million budget. The Chief Public Defender coordinates with court personnel, policy offices, and other district leaders to maintain effective defense